In a bronchoscopy, a bronchoscope is inserted (a narrow, lighted tube) into your nose or mouth, or occasionally through a tracheostomy. The bronchoscope has a camera that helps to see into your lung’s airways, including the throat, trachea, larynx, bronchi, and bronchioles. Doing such helps diagnose and treat conditions associated with the lung. These problems can include but are not limited to:

• A tumor
• An airway obstruction
• Narrowed airways
• Infections and inflammation
• Interstitial pulmonary disease (ILD)
• Persistent cough

A bronchoscopy can help identify and/or treat these conditions in combination with other procedures. Such procedures may include biopsy collection, removal of an obstruction, laser or radiation therapy, and more.

A bronchoscopy is a relatively simple and minimally invasive procedure. Therefore, it is performed under “conscious” sedation, and you can go home the same day you receive the bronchoscopy.