Modern examination technique in pulmonology. Bronchoscopy

Abstract

Pulmonology is a medical specialty that deals with diseases involving the respiratory tract. Pulmonology is synonymous with pneumology, respirology and respiratory medicine. Pulmonology is known as chest medicine and respiratory medicine in some countries and areas. Pulmonology is considered a branch of internal medicine, and is related to intensive care medicine. Pulmonology often involves managing patients who need life support and mechanical ventilation. Pulmonologists are specially trained in diseases and conditions of the chest, particularly pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, and complicated chest infections. Examination of the lungs. Bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.A bronchoscope is a device used to see the inside of the airways and lungs. The scope can be flexible or rigid. A flexible scope is almost always used. It is a tube less than 1/2-inch wide and about 2 feet long. In rare cases, a rigid bronchoscope is used.The scope is passed through your mouth or nose through your windpipe (trachea) and into your lungs. Going through the nose is a good way to look at the upper airways. Going through the mouth allows the doctor to use a larger bronchoscope. If a flexible bronchoscope is used, you will probably be awake but sedated. During the procedure: • You will likely get medicines through a vein (intravenously) to help you relax. Or you may be asleep under general anesthesia, especially if a rigid scope is used. • A numbing drug (anesthetic) will be sprayed in your mouth and throat. If bronchoscopy is done through the nose, numbing jelly will be placed in one nostril. • The scope is gently inserted. It will likely make you cough at first. The coughing will stop as the numbing drug begins to work. • The doctor may send saline solution through the tube. This washes the lungs and allows the doctor to collect samples of lung cells, fluids, and other materials inside the air sacs. This part of the procedure is called a lavage. • Sometimes, tiny brushes, needles, or forceps may be passed through the bronchoscope to take very small tissue samples (biopsies) from your lungs. • The doctor can also place a stent in the airway or view the lungs with ultrasound during the procedure. • Sometimes ultrasound is used to view the lymph nodes and tissues around the airways.