What are common indications for intubation?

The common indications for intubation include severe respiratory failure, the inability to maintain the airway, and the necessity for airway protection. These situations often arise in critical care settings where a patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own, which can result from conditions like severe pneumonia, traumatic injury, or anaphylactic shock. In these instances, intubation is a crucial intervention that provides a secure airway, allows for mechanical ventilation if necessary, and prevents aspiration.

While mild respiratory distress might not require intubation, severe cases absolutely do, as they represent a significant threat to the patient's oxygenation and overall stability. Normal breathing patterns do not necessitate intubation, nor do minor surgical procedures, as these scenarios often allow for alternative methods of managing the airway or do not pose an immediate risk to respiration. Thus, the focus remains on ensuring that patients who cannot maintain their airway or breathe sufficiently receive prompt and effective treatment through intubation.