Intubation: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Intubation?
Intubation is usually done by an anesthesiologist, a doctor who gives medicine that blocks pain and keeps you asleep during surgery. It can also be done by an emergency or intensive care doctor, or a nurse anesthetist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Intubation is the placement of a soft plastic tube through your mouth and into your windpipe, the airway that carries air to your lungs. A machine or bag then moves air through the tube, keeping oxygen flowing when you cannot breathe well on your own.
Why a doctor might recommend it
During surgery, anesthesia medicines can relax your breathing muscles, and the tube keeps air moving while you sleep. In an emergency, such as a severe injury or stroke, a person may be too weak to breathe safely. The tube also protects the airway from stomach fluids or saliva.
How to prepare
If your intubation is planned, your care team will give you instructions ahead of time. Common steps include:
- Tell the team about all medicines you take, including blood thinners.
- Mention any past problems with anesthesia.
- Follow fasting instructions, usually no food or drink for several hours beforehand.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home.
What happens during it
You will usually receive medicine through an IV that makes you fall asleep. The doctor uses a lighted tool to see your vocal cords and guides the tube into the windpipe, then confirms placement by listening to your lungs.
Recovery
After surgery, the tube is usually removed once you are awake enough to breathe on your own, though people in intensive care may keep it longer. A sore throat and hoarse voice usually fade within a few days.
Risks and side effects
Less common problems include a chipped tooth, minor injury to the mouth or vocal cords, or fluid around the lungs. Rarely, the tube can be hard to place, which is why trained specialists do this procedure.
Who performs it
Anesthesiologists perform most planned intubations for surgery. In emergency rooms and intensive care units, emergency medicine or critical care doctors often place the tube.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
Neither a direct primary care doctor nor a concierge doctor performs intubation. They can explain what to expect before planned surgery and help manage follow up care afterward. If a breathing problem might need intensive care, they will refer you to a hospital or specialist.
Common questions
Is intubation the same as being on a ventilator?
Not exactly. The tube is the pathway, and the ventilator is the machine that moves air through it. Many people use the words together because they usually happen at the same time.
Will I remember being intubated?
If you are intubated for surgery, you will be asleep and should not remember it. In the intensive care unit, patients are often given medicine to keep them comfortable. Memory of the tube is usually limited.
How long can the tube stay in?
It depends on the reason for intubation. If a person needs breathing help for a long time, doctors may discuss a tracheostomy. That is a tube placed through a small opening in the neck.
Does intubation hurt?
You are normally asleep when the tube goes in, so you should not feel it. A sore throat afterward is common but usually short lived.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Endotracheal intubation
- American Society of Anesthesiologists - Anesthesia 101 - How Does It Work? | Made for This Moment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
