How is endotracheal intubation done?
Patients needing endotracheal intubation usually have a serious condition preventing them from breathing on their own. An endotracheal tube (breathing tube) can be inserted through the mouth or through the nose then advanced into the airway. Some patients do not require much sedation when the endotracheal tube is inserted through the nose. The breathing tube is slowly advanced into the nose passage and then slips into the patient’s airway. Patients always require sedation when the endotracheal tube is inserted through the mouth. The person placing the breathing tube uses a small device called a laryngoscope to move the patient’s tongue out of the way to see the airway. The endotracheal tube is then inserted while looking directly at the airway. Does endotracheal intubation hurt? If the breathing tube is placed through the nose, the patient will feel some discomfort. The patient will receive sedation and pain medications for this. If the breathing tube is placed through the mouth, the p
