Bronchoscopy: an important aid to make appropriate pulmonary diagnose

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to look inside patient’s lungs (airways). During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted into patient nose or mouth and passed down the throat into the airways. The patient will be given medicine to make feel relaxed and sleepy during the procedure. The sedation makes patient undergo the procedure with no discomfort.

Bronchoscopy can help find the cause of a lung problem. For example, during the procedure, the doctor may see

·         A tumor or narrowing

·         Signs of infection

·         Excess mucus in the airways

·         Site of bleeding & Foreign body such as a piece of food in patient airway 

Bronchoscopy is a same day out-patient procedure. It is a safe procedure. Side effects and complications usually are minor.