Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic technique of visualising the inside  of the airways for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

An instrument (bronchoscope),which is thin and flexible, is inserted into  the airways,usually through the nose or mouth.Using the bronchoscope, your doctor can view all of the structures  that make up your respiratory system including your larynx, traches and the smaller airways  of your lungs, which include the bronchi  and bronchioles.

Bronchoscopy is usually done  to find the cause of a lung problem. Your doctor may take  a biopsy sample of mucus  or tissue  from your lungs during the procedure to test it in a lab.

The emminent team of the Atlas general hospital  carry out this procedure  with the aim of further bacteriological, cytological, histopathological and imunohistochemical examiations and furher therapies.

Why does a doctor order a bronchoscopy?

Using the bronchoscope, your doctor can view all of the structures that make up your respiratory system. These include your larynx, trachea, and the smaller airways of your lungs, which include the bronchi and bronchioles.

A bronchoscopy can be used to diagnose:

• a lung disease
• a tumor
• a chronic cough
• an infection

Your doctor may order a bronchoscopy if you have an abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan that shows evidence of an infection, a tumor, or a collapsed lung.

The test is also sometimes used as a treatment tool. For example, a bronchoscopy can allow your doctor to deliver medication to your lungs or remove an object that’s caught in your airways, like a piece of food.

Preparing for a bronchoscopy

A local anesthetic spray is applied to your nose and throat during a bronchoscopy. You’ll probably get a sedative to help you relax. This means that you’ll be awake but drowsy during the procedure. Oxygen is usually given during a bronchoscopy. General anesthesia is rarely needed.

You’ll need to avoid eating or drinking anything for 6 to 12 hours before the bronchoscopy. Before the procedure, ask your doctor if you need to stop taking:

• aspirin
• ibuprofen
• warfarin
• other blood thinners

Bring someone with you to your appointment to drive you home afterward, or arrange for transportation.

Bronchoscopy procedure

Once you’re relaxed, your doctor will insert the bronchoscope into your nose. The bronchoscope passes from your nose down to your throat until it reaches your bronchi. The bronchi are the airways in your lungs.

Brushes or needles may be attached to the bronchoscope to collect tissue samples from your lungs. These samples can help your doctor diagnose any lung conditions you may have.

Your doctor may also use a process called bronchial washing to collect cells. This involves spraying a saline solution over the surface of your airways. The cells that are washed off of the surface are then collected and looked at under a microscope.

Depending on your specific condition, your doctor may find one or more of the following:

• blood
• mucus
• an infection
• swelling
• a blockage
• a tumor

If your airways are blocked, you might need a stent to keep them open. A stent is a small tube that can be placed into your bronchi with the bronchoscope.

When your doctor is finished examining your lungs, they’ll remove the bronchoscope.

Experts: Bronchoscopy