When general anesthesia is administered, intubation is necessary. The anesthetic medications immobilize the muscles of the body, including the diaphragm, making it hard to breathe without the assistance of a ventilator. The majority of patients are extubated, which means that the breathing tube is withdrawn soon after surgery. However, some require mechanical ventilation after surgery. Intubation allows for the administration of other medications through the breathing tube, such as antibiotics for those at risk for developing pneumonia. It also allows for rapid increase in air pressure if the patient begins to exhale air into the stomach instead of the lungs (this occurs when there is trauma to the throat or neck area). This can be corrected by placing another tube down the esophagus and into the stomach. The person performing the intubation must have adequate training and experience with this procedure. Anesthesiologists who work in hospitals with many surgeries each day are most likely to know how to do this safely. Otherwise, others who are not familiar with this type of work should not attempt it. As with any invasive procedure, there is a risk of infection when inserting a breathing tube. The virus that causes the common cold may enter through tiny breaks in the skin caused by surgery or needles. There is also a chance that you could pass on your own bacteria to someone else.