Bronchoscopy
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What is bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is a procedure to look directly at the airways in the lungs using a thin, lighted tube (bronchoscope). The bronchoscope is put in the nose or mouth. It is moved down the throat and windpipe and into the airways. A healthcare provider can then see the voice box (larynx), trachea, large airways to the lungs (bronchi), and smaller branches of the bronchi (bronchioles).
There are 2 types of bronchoscope: flexible and rigid. Both types come in different widths.
Why should I need bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy may be done to diagnose and treat lung problems such as:
- Tumors or bronchial cancer
- Airway blockage (obstruction)
- Narrowed areas in airways (strictures)
- Inflammation and infections such as tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, and fungal or parasitic lung infections
- Interstitial pulmonary disease
- Causes of persistent cough
- Causes of coughing up blood
What are the risks of bronchoscopy?
In most cases, the flexible bronchoscope is used, not the rigid bronchoscope. This is because the flexible type has less risk of damaging the tissue. People can also handle the flexible type better. And it provides better access to smaller areas of the lung tissue.
The risks of this procedure may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hole in the airway (bronchial perforation)
- Irritation of the airways (bronchospasm)
- Irritation of the vocal cords (laryngospasm)