Endotracheal intubation is a medical procedure that involves the placement of a tube into the trachea, or windpipe, to help unconscious or medically compromised people breathe. Typically, the breathing tube is placed through the mouth and into the windpipe. In a severe emergency, the breathing tube can be placed through a small hole cut into the front of the neck near the trachea. Certain people can experience side effects of being intubated.
Swelling
Repeated attempts to place the intubation tube within the trachea can damage the surrounding tissues within the mouth or throat. Inflammation caused by tissue damage can result in swelling of the injured body region, a side effect of intubation, referred to as edema, explain health experts with Surgery.com. Upon waking, a patient who has been intubated can experience a sore throat, difficulty swallowing or discomfort within swollen regions of the face or neck. These side effects of being intubated are temporary and typically subside after removal of the intubation tube.
Aspiration
Patients who are conscious when intubated can experience gastric aspiration as a side effect of this procedure, warn health professionals with Patient UK. Placement of the intubation tube can induce a patient's gag reflex, which can lead to vomiting. If this occurs, vomit can become stuck within the intubation tube and interfere with oxygen flow into a patient's body. Prompt medical attention is required for any patient who experiences aspiration as a side effect of being intubated.
Tracheal or Esophageal Perforation
In certain cases, the intubation tube can inadvertently pierce or puncture the trachea or esophagus during placement, explain medical professionals with Patient UK. Tracheal or esophageal perforation prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs and can result in internal bleeding. This life-threatening side effect of being intubated requires immediate medical intervention.
Collapsed Lung
Damage or perforation of internal organs within the chest during intubation can lead to lung collapse in certain patients, warn medical professionals with MedlinePlus. A collapsed lung, also called pneumothorax, can result in additional side effects such as cough, severe, stabbing chest pain, or shoulder or back pain. A collapsed lung is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical intervention to restore the flow of oxygen into a patient's lungs.
Decreased Heart Rate
Certain patients, especially infants, can develop a decreased heart rate, called bradycardia, as a side effect of intubation, warns nurse Lottie Bottor in a June 2009 article published in the journal "Advances in Neonatal Care." A decreased heart rate can be accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure, which can cause side effects of headache, dizziness or fatigue in affected patients.
