Is intubation still meaningful for lung infection?

Dec 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

For patients with pulmonary infection who develop severe respiratory failure (such as persistently low blood oxygen levels and worsening dyspnea), endotracheal intubation is highly significant if their baseline cardiopulmonary function is relatively good and they have no severe irreversible diseases. Intubation enables mechanical ventilation to improve oxygenation and remove carbon dioxide, thereby buying time for the treatment of lung infection, helping the body overcome the respiratory crisis, and increasing the likelihood of recovery.

In general, intubation is meaningful for respiratory failure caused by pulmonary infection when there is a possibility of recovery; however, it has limited benefit if the condition is too severe and recovery is unlikely. If in doubt, early medical consultation is recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:

For patients with pulmonary infection who develop severe respiratory failure (such as persistently low blood oxygen levels or worsening dyspnea), intubation may be beneficial if their baseline cardiopulmonary function is relatively good and they do not have serious irreversible diseases. Intubation can improve oxygenation and facilitate carbon dioxide elimination through mechanical ventilation, providing time for treatment of the lung infection, helping the body overcome the respiratory crisis, and increasing the likelihood of recovery.

However, if the pulmonary infection has already led to multi-organ failure, or if the patient has severe underlying conditions (such as advanced malignant tumors or irreversible brain damage), and the physician assesses the chance of recovery as extremely low, intubation offers minimal benefit. In such cases, although intubation may temporarily sustain breathing, it cannot reverse the overall disease course and may increase risks of complications such as infections or bleeding, thereby imposing additional burden on the body.

The decision on whether to intubate a patient with pulmonary infection should be made by physicians based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's condition and prognosis. Family members should communicate fully with the healthcare team to understand the benefits and risks of treatment options. After intubation, close cooperation with nursing care is essential, including continuous monitoring of vital signs and prompt management of any complications.

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