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If you experience lung pain or discomfort, your doctor may recommend pulmonary endoscopy to determine the source of your symptoms.

What is Pulmonary Endoscopy (Bronchoscopy)? 

Pulmonary endoscopy, also known as bronchoscopy, is a procedure that helps doctors visualize and examine the inside of your airways and lungs. Using a bronchoscope—a flexible tube with a camera and light—your doctor can diagnose and treat various respiratory conditions directly. This minimally invasive procedure is crucial for identifying abnormalities and administering treatments within the bronchial passages and lungs.

Pulmonary endoscopy helps diagnose various respiratory issues, such as chronic cough, unexplained infections, and abnormal chest imaging results. Conditions like lung cancer, bronchiectasis, and interstitial lung disease can be effectively diagnosed and managed through this procedure. Beyond diagnosis, pulmonary endoscopy can also facilitate therapeutic interventions like clearing airway obstructions, removing foreign bodies, and delivering medications directly to the lungs. 

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Types of Bronchoscopies

Doctors doing minimally invasive surgery
Doctor checking screen in operation room

What to Expect When You Have a Pulmonary Endoscopy

Bronchoscopy is conducted with a device that allows doctors to see inside your body. An endoscope is a long, thin tube with a camera and a light attached to one end. It also includes an open channel through which medical tools can pass to collect tissue samples for biopsies. 

A bronchoscope can be inserted through the nose or mouth. A local or general anesthetic will be administered to encourage relaxation and reduce discomfort during the procedure. In addition to taking samples, a bronchoscopy can also be used to remove tumors in the lung via cutting tools, electric currents, lasers, or light-sensitive chemicals.

After a pulmonary endoscopy, patients are monitored until the sedative wears off. Common symptoms like a sore throat, hoarseness, and mild cough usually resolve within a few days. Normal activities can usually be resumed within 24 hours. If a biopsy was done, there may be a slight risk of complications like bleeding or infection. Contact your doctor if you experience severe pain, fever, or persistent bleeding.
 

Pulmonary Endoscopy - Frequently Asked Questions

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