US Medical Term · emergency
Intubation
Intubación
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Intubation |
| Spanish (Español) | Intubación |
| Chinese (中文) | 插管 |
| Korean (한국어) | 기관 삽관 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đặt ống nội khí quản |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Intubation |
| Portuguese (Português) | Intubação |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การใส่ท่อช่วยหายใจ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 挿管 |
What it means
Intubation is the placement of a flexible tube (endotracheal tube) through the mouth or nose down into the airway (trachea) to help a patient breathe. It is performed when a patient cannot breathe adequately on their own due to unconsciousness, respiratory failure, or during surgery. The tube is then connected to a mechanical ventilator. Intubation is a serious emergency procedure but often life-saving. The patient cannot speak while intubated. Doctors and nurses will communicate with intubated patients using yes/no gestures or writing boards. Intubation is typically temporary, with the tube removed once the patient can breathe independently.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
The doctors had to intubate my father because he could not breathe on his own.
Los médicos tuvieron que intubar a mi padre porque no podía respirar por sí mismo.
How long does intubation usually last?
¿Cuánto tiempo dura la intubación generalmente?
If I am intubated, how will I communicate with the staff?
Si me intuban, ¿cómo me comunicaré con el personal?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026