Bronchoscopy
Performed in a hospital setting
What is a bronchoscope procedure?
It involves inserting a bronchoscope tube, with its light and small camera, through your nose or mouth, down your throat into your trachea, or windpipe, and to the bronchi and bronchioles of your lungs. This procedure is used to find the cause of a lung problem.
Conditions it may diagnose
Lung Nodules - Very rare, a small growth on the lungs that can be non-cancerous or cancerous
Pneumonia - Common , an infection of the air sacs in one or both the lungs
Duration: Approximately 15-45 mins
Is it invasive? Yes
Is a bronchoscopy dangerous?
Complications from a bronchoscopy may include a fever. Bronchoscopy is usually safe, but there are certain risks. Also, a person with a history of heart conditions may have an increased risk of heart attack. Rarely, a bronchoscopy can cause a lung to collapse, which is called pneumothorax. This happens if the lung is punctured during the procedure.
When is bronchoscopy necessary?
Your doctor will usually request a bronchoscopy when they suspect something is wrong with your airways or lungs. A persistent cough, the coughing of blood, or an abnormality on a chest x-ray are the most common reasons. The results will help your doctor determine what is wrong and how to help you in the most effective way.