Bronchoscopy is used to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during treatment for some lung conditions.

Common reasons to perform a diagnostic bronchoscopy include:

• Investigating abnormal changes to the lung, changes or scarring of lung tissue, or a collapsed lung
• Lymph node biopsy
• Shortness of breath or low oxygen levels
• Persistent cough that has lasted more than 3 months without any clear cause
• Infection in the lungs and major airways (bronchi)
• Inhalation of a toxic gas or chemical
• To see if there is a foreign object in the airway
• To check for organ rejection after a lung transplant

A bronchoscopy may also be done to treat a lung or airway problem. Circumstances include:

• Removing fluid or mucus plugs from the airways
• Removing a foreign object from the airways
• Dilating an airway that is blocked or narrowed
• Draining an abscess
• Treating cancer using a number of different techniques
• Washing out an airway

How does it work?

A bronchoscope is a device used to see the inside of the airways and lungs. The scope can be flexible or rigid.

• Medication will be administered through an IV to help the patient relax. Alternatively, the patient may be placed under general anesthesia.
• The mouth and throat, or nose, are treated with an anesthetic.
• The bronchoscope is gently inserted.
• The physician may send saline solution through the scope to wash the lungs, collect samples of lung cells, fluids, microbes, etc. This is known as a lavage.
• A biopsy may be taken.
• The physician may also place a stent in the patient’s airway or view the lungs with an ultrasound. Ultrasound may also be used to see the lymph nodes and tissue around the airways.
• At the end of the procedure, the scope is removed.