 Tracheal intubation can be associated with minor complications such as broken teeth or lacerations of the tissues of the upper airway . It can also be associated with potentially fatal complications such as pulmonary aspiration of stomach contents which can result in a severe and sometimes fatal chemical aspiration pneumonitis , or unrecognized intubation of the esophagus which can lead to potentially fatal anoxia . Because of this , the potential for difficulty or complications due to the presence of unusual airway anatomy or other uncontrolled variables is carefully evaluated before undertaking tracheal intubation . Alternative strategies for securing the airway must always be readily available . 
