 Actual or impending airway obstruction is a common indication for intubation of the trachea . Life @-@ threatening airway obstruction may occur when a foreign body becomes lodged in the airway ; this is especially common in infants and toddlers . Severe blunt or penetrating injury to the face or neck may be accompanied by swelling and an expanding hematoma , or injury to the larynx , trachea or bronchi . Airway obstruction is also common in people who have suffered smoke inhalation or burns within or near the airway or epiglottitis . Sustained generalized seizure activity and angioedema are other common causes of life @-@ threatening airway obstruction which may require tracheal intubation to secure the airway . 
