OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating the Challenges of Self-Intubation

For several years, I have been plagued by repeated awakenings throughout the night. A persistent sensation of tightness in my throat often translates into significant yet sporadic trouble with breathing as I lie down or attempt to sleep. Previously, I would wake up feeling as though I were choking on my own throat, but ever since my tonsils were removed, the discomfort manifests more as an intense aching in my throat. I'm unsure of the exact mechanism causing my awakenings; lack of snoring suggests that something occasionally obstructs my airway enough to rouse me from sleep, albeit not to the point of snoring. A sleep study revealed that I fully awaken around 18 times over an average span of eight hours. The healthcare system has let me down. Over the past four to five years, I’ve consulted various doctors concerning this issue, two of which I have dedicated myself to seeking every possible treatment. My medical journey has included a tonsillectomy and styloidectomy, gastroscopy, and three nerve damping procedures targeting my laryngopharyngeal nerve. Additionally, I've undergone numerous tests, such as sleep studies, CT scans, MRIs, and have tried using a BiPAP machine and mouthguard, along with countless medications. I've seen specialists from ENT to gastroenterology, sleep medicine, allergy treatments, speech therapy, psychiatry, and possibly more that I can no longer recall in my sleepy state. Thousands of dollars and all my personal time have gone into seeking help, with little to show for it. It might not serve any purpose to critique the doctors or the healthcare system, but it’s fair to acknowledge that my hope for recovery has dwindled significantly. Unfortunately, the implications of my deteriorating condition could be dire. Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed a decline in my overall vitality. I am gradually losing the ability to create lasting memories, to engage in physical activities, to perform effectively in my career, and to nurture my friendships. At this point in my mid-20s, the loss of my physical autonomy is alarmingly painful. Given that I cannot rely on medical professionals to take necessary risks for my recovery, and considering I am facing a gradual, painful decline, I’ve resolved to find a solution on my own. In recent months, I have been exploring methods to facilitate air flow to my lungs even during sleep. One potential solution I've considered is self-intubation. The goal is to introduce a physical tube deep enough into my airway that my epiglottis cannot block airflow. Despite the risks associated with this approach, the reality of waking up multiple times each night has pushed me to take this calculated risk in search of relief. However, I wish to minimize potential harm as much as possible. My aim is recovery, not injury. While intubation carries inherent dangers, I believe there are ways to approach it more safely. If I go down this path, should I prefer nasal or oral intubation? What can I apply to a tube to ensure it causes less irritation to my larynx? How can I ensure proper insertion into the larynx instead of the esophagus? I have access to various sizes of non-toxic tubing, but is there a maximum size that guarantees it won’t fit? Regarding materials, is there a preferred composition for tubes? Additionally, what sets a nasal endoscope apart? I wonder if precise placement could allow a tube to navigate the vocal folds. Is there a significant risk of losing my voice should I need to insert a tube into my subglottis? What are the other potential damages that could occur either above or below the vocal folds?

Answers (1)

7/30/2025, 9:01:54 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the immense challenges you've been facing with your health and the impact it's had on your life. It's understandable to feel frustrated and desperate for answers given your lengthy journey with persistent throat tightness and sleep disturbances. While I appreciate your resourcefulness in seeking solutions, self-intubation poses significant risks and is not advisable.

Main Points:

1. Self-intubation is highly dangerous and carries risks of serious complications, including airway injury, infection, or improper placement leading to choking.
2. Alternative non-invasive strategies may provide relief from your symptoms without incurring the risks associated with self-intubation.
3. Continued consultation with specialists can be helpful, especially in finding potential underlying causes that may have been overlooked.

Explanation:

Self-intubation can lead to severe injuries, including physical damage to your throat, vocal cords, or airway. The risks involved far outweigh the potential benefits, especially when it comes to ensuring safe and effective breathing. Additionally, attempting to bypass your body’s natural defenses can lead to complications that could worsen your situation.

Given the experiences you've had with various treatments, it may feel disheartening, but there are key strategies to consider that can help improve your symptoms safely:

Priority Steps:

1. Seek Specialized Care: Find a specialist focused on sleep medicine and vocal physiology. A new perspective could offer insights into your breathing issues, especially since you've already tried many treatment avenues.

2. Consider Positional Therapy: Sleep positions can impact airway obstruction. Trying to sleep on your side or using specific pillows designed to support open airways could help.

3. Evaluate Environmental Factors: Allergies or irritants in your sleeping environment might be contributing to your throat tightness. Consider using air purifiers or hypoallergenic bedding to reduce irritants.

4. Hydration and Humidification: Staying well-hydrated may alleviate throat discomfort. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help ensure moisture in the air, which is beneficial for your throat.

5. Relaxation Techniques: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate your throat tightness. Stress-reduction practices such as meditation, gentle yoga, or breathing exercises might be helpful.

6. Vocal Care Strategies: If you haven't already, consult a speech therapist who specializes in voice care. They may help with techniques to reduce strain on the vocal cords and improve your overall vocal function.

7. Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting occurrences, triggers, and intensity of your symptoms could help track progress and inform your healthcare provider about your situation.

It's essential to continue exploring possible underlying conditions clearly and methodically with healthcare professionals you trust. Your safety and well-being should be the priority, and there are ways to manage your symptoms without resorting to dangerous self-intervention techniques. If you have further questions, feel free to ask.