Bronchoscopy
What is Bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the airways and lungs using a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope. The bronchoscope, which has a light and camera at its tip, is inserted through the nose or mouth and guided down the throat into the trachea and bronchi (the main airways in the lungs). Bronchoscopy is typically performed by a pulmonologist (a lung specialist) to diagnose, monitor, or treat conditions affecting the airways or lungs.
When to consult a doctor for Bronchoscopy Procedure?
A bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to view the airways and lungs using a thin tube called a bronchoscope, which is passed through the nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the lungs. It is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, commonly used to assess lung and airway conditions.
You should consult a doctor if:
- Chronic Cough: A persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks, especially if accompanied by blood, may warrant further examination through bronchoscopy.
- Unexplained Shortness of Breath: If you experience ongoing or severe difficulty breathing, it may indicate an underlying lung or airway problem that requires diagnosis.
- Abnormal Chest X-ray or CT Scan: If imaging reveals abnormalities, such as masses, nodules, or unexplained changes in the lungs, bronchoscopy may be recommended.
- Frequent Respiratory Infections: Recurring pneumonia or other respiratory infections might suggest a blockage or other airway issue that can be assessed with bronchoscopy.
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Causes
- Chronic Lung Conditions
- Lung Infections
- Unexplained Cough or Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
- Suspected Lung Cancer
- Foreign Body Removal
Symptoms
- Chronic Cough
- Difficulty Breathing
- Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
- Abnormal Chest Imaging
- Persistent Chest Infections
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people recover quickly and can resume normal activities the next day, although full recovery may take a couple of days if biopsies were taken.
Common risks include a sore throat, mild bleeding, or fever. Rarely, more serious risks like significant bleeding, infection, or pneumothorax (collapsed lung) may occur.
Some findings may be shared right away, but biopsy results typically take a few days to return from the lab. Your doctor will discuss the results with you once they're ready.