In which condition is an endotracheal tube (ET) commonly used?

An endotracheal tube (ET) is commonly used in severe respiratory failure or respiratory arrest because it provides a secure airway for ventilation and oxygenation when the patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own. This situation often arises in critical conditions such as severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or in patients who have experienced respiratory arrest due to various causes. Intubation allows for direct access to the trachea, ensuring that oxygen can be delivered directly to the lungs, and also allows for assisted ventilation if the patient is not breathing or is unable to maintain adequate spontaneous ventilation.

In cases like chronic cough, mild allergic reactions, or patients requiring only supplemental oxygen therapy, an endotracheal tube is not typically warranted. These scenarios may involve management strategies that do not require invasive airway interventions, focusing instead on less invasive measures such as bronchodilators, supplemental oxygen, or observation. Therefore, the use of an ET tube is specifically reserved for critical situations where airway management is crucial to patient survival.