Bronchoscopy is test conduct by doctors to examine the lungs and airways. It is a medical test used for the treatment of lung problems like tumors, infections, lung cancer, excess of mucus, bleeding, or blockage.
In this endoscopic procedure, a threadlike instrument called a Bronchoscope is inserted into the airways through the mouth or nose to detect the abnormalities of the lungs. The Bronchoscope used in this test is made of optical fiber. It may be flexible or rigid.
Types of Bronchoscopy
There are two types of Bronchoscopy:
● Flexible Bronchoscopy: Flexible Bronchoscopy is much more common than Rigid Bronchoscopy. In this test, a long thin wire with light is inserted into the Lungs. The flexibility of the wire makes it easier to reach more points than Rigid Bronchoscope.
● Rigid Bronchoscopy: The Rigid Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a hollow, straight, metal tube is used to treat bleeding, removing foreign materials, etc.
Why Is Bronchoscopy Recommended
There are several reasons for which doctors suggested Bronchoscopy. Some of them are:
● Tumor or Infection
● Chronic Cough
● Lung Cancer
● Lung Disease
● Blockage in Airways
● Short Breath Rate
● Remove excess sludge, fluid, or foreign materials from airways
How Bronchoscopy is Performed
In this test, an instrument made with optical fiber, called Bronchoscope, is inserted into the Lungs and airways to determine the abnormalities.
The Bronchoscopy process includes the following steps:
● The first step is to give medicines that help patients relax.
● An anesthetic drug is sprayed into the mouth and throat. If Bronchoscopy is performed through the nose, anesthetize jelly is given through the nostrils.
● After anesthetizing the patients, gently insert the Bronchoscope with light and camera. It may initially cause a cough.
● Doctors send the Saline solution through the tube. The Saline solution helps to wash the lungs and collect samples of cells, sludge, fluids, and microbes for further testing. This process is called lavage.
● In major cases, needles, tiny brushes, or forceps may also pass with the scope to collect lung tissues (Biopsy).
● A stent may also be placed in the airway to view the lungs in this procedure.
● Sometimes an ultrasound or CT scan is also performed by doctors to see the lymph nodes and tissues around the lungs. CT scan is also performed for imaging that helps the doctor to see the condition of airways.
● After the procedure, the Bronchoscope is removed from the body.
Benefits After Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is one of the most common tests in pneumology. It is a quick and painless test used by doctors to determine or treat many Lung problems. With the help of this test, doctors will come to know the exact problem of the patients. As per the results of Bronchoscopy, doctors will advise taking medicine or other treatment. So, this test is very helpful to know the medication or treatment for a particular Lung disease.
Bronchoscopy is one of the safest and easiest tests that may carry little complications. These complications are temporary and can be cured in a few days. So, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before and after the test.
