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Prolonged intubation during the course of a critical illness
Subglottic stenosis from prior trauma
Obstruction from obesity for sleep apnea
Congenital (inherited) abnormality of the larynx or trachea
Severe neck or mouth injuries
Inhalation of corrosive material smoke or steam
Presence of a large foreign body that occludes the airway
Paralysis of the muscles that affect swallowing causing a danger of aspiration
Long term unconsciousness or coma
Review Date 1/1/2025
Updated by: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
