Ask a doctor - What is the purpose of intubation?

Q. What is the purpose of intubation?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Intubation is like giving the lungs a helping hand when they're struggling to do their job properly. It's a medical procedure where a flexible tube is inserted into a person's airway through their mouth or nose. Sounds a bit uncomfortable, I know, but it's done to help them breathe better, especially when they can't do it on their own.

So, why might someone need to be intubated? Well, there are a few reasons. One big one is when a person's airway is blocked or not working well enough to get enough oxygen into their body. This could happen during surgery when they're under anesthesia and can't breathe on their own, or if they're very sick and their lungs aren't working properly.

Intubation can also help protect a person's airway. If someone is really sick or unconscious, they might not be able to swallow properly or keep their airway clear of stuff that could block it. The tube helps keep their airway open and prevents anything from going down into their lungs that shouldn't be there.

Another reason for intubation is to help with breathing problems. Sometimes, people with certain lung diseases or injuries might struggle to get enough air into their lungs or to breathe out properly. Intubation can help by delivering oxygen straight into their lungs or by helping them get rid of carbon dioxide, which is the waste gas that builds up when we breathe.

Overall, intubation is all about making sure a person gets the oxygen they need and that their lungs can do their job properly, even when things aren't working right on their own. It's a bit invasive, sure, but it can be a lifesaver in some situations.