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A bronchoscopy or "bronch" as it is often referred to by patients, is a procedure performed by a pulmonologist when a closer look of the airways and lungs is needed. This helps the doctor determine the progression of lung disease. Brochoscopies are useful for finding infection or physical problems within the lungs or airways.
A bronchoscopy consists of inserting a long, thin tube (usually through the nose) through the upper airway into the lungs. The physician can look at the surface of the lungs and take sputum specimens. This test may help find an infection or other lung problem. A CF patient may never need a bronchoscopy. It is performed only when a problem persists that cannot be identified by other means.
There are two types of broncoscopies: flexible and rigid. In both, the patient is sedated, though to differing degrees. For a flexible bronch, the doctor first sprays the patient's throat with a numbing medication. This makes the procedure more bearable and less irritating to the throat. A long thin piece of tubing, approximately 1/2 inch wide and 2 feet long is inserted via the nose, and down through the patient's windpipe (trachea.)
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