Bronchoscopy (pronounced “brahn KAH skoh pee”) is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to see inside a person’s airways. The airways are called the bronchial tubes or bronchi. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a small tube called a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth. The tip of this tube is lighted, so the […]
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A doctor will suggest a bronchoscopy if he or she needs to see inside your airways or remove something from them. Knowing the condition of your airways helps the doctor prescribe the right treatment, so you can start breathing better. This procedure is often used to help diagnose diseases like asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis, and
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Before the bronchoscopy (usually a day or two before), the doctor will usually test your blood and urine. You may also need to have a chest x-ray or CT scan. A CT scan is a painless, sophisticated x-ray procedure that uses a computer to provide images of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels. Tell your
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Most people are awake during this procedure. You will have medicine to help you relax and to numb your throat. The bronchoscopy itself usually takes about 20 minutes. This is what usually happens during bronchoscopy: First, you’ll take medicine to help you relax. A nurse will start an IV (intravenous) needle in your arm. The
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Bronchoscopy does not usually cause any complications. For the first day or so, you might have these symptoms: Mild fever (less than 101 degrees F, 38.3 degrees C) Hoarseness Coughing up small amounts of blood (less than a tablespoon) You can take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) for these symptoms. Avoid
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Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or bronchi, that bring air into the lungs. Inflammation is a chemical reaction in the body that produces redness, swelling, and pain. Bronchitis can be caused by: Viruses Bacteria Smoking Breathing in certain kinds of irritating chemicals When the cells lining the bronchi are irritated, the tiny
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Here are some frequently asked questions related to bronchoscopy. Q: Does bronchoscopy hurt? A: No one’s going to say bronchoscopy is particularly comfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. If you’re worried, work out a hand signal with your doctor ahead of time. You can raise your hand to tell him or her to stop putting in the
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Smoking is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis. The substances in cigarette and other forms of tobacco smoking cause irritation of the bronchial tubes. While smoking is the leading cause of bronchitis, environmental pollution and some kinds of occupational exposures to chemicals have also been shown to lead to chronic bronchitis. Of course, if you
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Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy lets the doctor see inside your airways, using a thin tube called a bronchoscope. The tube uses fiberoptics or a tiny video camera to produce images of the airways. Doctors perform bronchoscopies to help diagnose diseases or remove something blocking the airways. If
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The symptoms of chronic bronchitis include: Coughing and/or coughing up sputum with chest pain Yellow or green phlegm Shortness of breath Increased cough How Is The Diagnosis Made? Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed if these symptoms have lasted for at least three consecutive months during two consecutive years, or for six months in one year. In
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Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for chronic bronchitis. Most treatment is focused on making the symptoms less severe and trying to prevent further damage. Treatment involves: Lifestyle changes Medication Self-care and alternative treatments Oxygen Lifestyle Changes The first and probably the most important treatment is to stop smoking. Quitting smoking is a two-step process that
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Parents should make sure that the child plays an important part in managing his or her own asthma. For example: Small children (even 6- and 7-year olds) should know the names of the their medications, and how the medicine helps. All children over the age of 4 or 5 should know what triggers their attacks,
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