I have never had to be intubated (well not quite, they did have to after my thyroidectomy) or have had any lingering problems with my trachea but I have had several episodes over the pre diagnosis years where I had this awful chocking dry cough that went on for several agonizing minutes. I just couldn't get enough air in to breath. On reflection it was probably wegs, I just never made a big deal of it or complained abot it. I am sure that even if I did it would be put down for as just your average "oh its nothing she just chocked on her own saliva", but it was an awful feeling of not being able to breathe and definitely was not self inflicted. It would eventually pass. I am sure though that if it persisted for longer I would be rushed to an Emergency and I would be intubated if the cough didn't stop. I still remember the awful chocking feeling.