When is a breathing tube needed

In nasogastric NG intubation, a thin tube is placed through your nose into your stomach. Learn why this procedure is used and what it involves. Swan-Ganz catheterization helps determine whether you have certain heart and lung abnormalities. Get the facts and learn about controversies…. Cryptococcal meningitis is a fungal infection and inflammation of the membranes covering your spinal cord and brain. Lean more.

Laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the larynx. It's done to treat certain conditions, including cancer. An incentive spirometer is a device that can help you strengthen your lungs. Learn how it works, who it helps, and where to get one.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Endotracheal Intubation. How is endotracheal intubation done? Share on Pinterest. Why is endotracheal intubation done? What are the risks of endotracheal intubation? How do I prepare for endotracheal intubation? What to expect after endotracheal intubation. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Chest Tube Insertion Thoracostomy Learn about chest tube insertion, why it's done, how to prepare for it, and what to expect during the procedure.

Nasogastric Intubation and Feeding. Bacterial Tracheitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. A patient may not even know they were connected to a ventilator after the completion of the surgery or medical procedure.

Patients on ventilators run a higher risk of developing pneumonia because of bacteria that enters through the breathing tube. It can also make it difficult for them to cough and clear airways of irritants that can cause infections. The breathing tube will prevent the patient from eating normally, so a different tube that provides nutrients, may be inserted into their vein.

Patients who are on long-term ventilation may require a feeding tube directly inserted into the nose or mouth, or through a hole made in the stomach. The use of sedation often depends on the patient; a patient who is calm during normal life is usually calm on a ventilator while in an ICU unit. While they may be able to sit up in bed or in a chair, their mobility is otherwise limited. The medical team that closely monitors patients on a ventilator includes: doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, X-ray technicians, and more.

Weaning is the process of taking someone off of a ventilator, so that they may begin to breathe on their own. A ventilator can save your life. However, like other treatments, it can sometimes cause side effects. This is more common if you use a ventilator for a long time. The main risk of using a ventilator is infection. The breathing tube can let germs into your lungs. This can raise the risk of getting pneumonia. Sinus infections are also common if you have a mouth or nose breathing tube.

The breathing tube can rub against and irritate your throat or lungs. It can also make it hard to cough. Coughing helps to get rid of dust and irritants in your lungs. Both kinds of breathing tubes pass through your voice box larynx , which contain your vocal cords.

The breathing tube can damage your voice box. Let your doctor know if you have difficulty breathing or speaking after using a ventilator. Your doctor may give you medications that help you feel more relaxed and comfortable.

This helps being on a ventilator less traumatic. Those who need ventilators are often given:. These drugs often cause drowsiness and confusion. This will wear off once you stop taking them. Additionally, you may need blood tests to check how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. If ventilation is being planned for your loved one, here are some things you can do to help make things more comfortable for them and reduce their risk of complications:.

This can happen because the muscles around your chest get weaker while the ventilator is doing the work of breathing for you. It may also be because the medications you received when using the ventilator have made your muscles weaker.

Sometimes it can take days or weeks for your lungs and chest muscles to get back to normal. Your doctor may recommend weaning you off a ventilator. This will be increased to less support and longer periods before you completely get off the ventilator, usually after a few days or weeks.