What is bronchoscopy?

• A. Surgical repair of the bronchi
• B. Measurement of air flow in the bronchi
• C. Imaging technique using X-ray of the lungs
• D. The visual examination of the bronchi using a bronchoscope

Answer: (D)

Bronchoscopy is the visual examination of the airways using a bronchoscope. A bronchoscope is a flexible or rigid tube with a light and camera that is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and bronchi, allowing the clinician to look at the lining of the airways. This procedure lets you see abnormalities such as inflammation, tumors, or blockages, and it also enables collection of samples (like tissue biopsies or washings), removal of obstructions, or targeted treatments delivered directly to the lungs. It’s typically done with local anesthesia and sedation, though general anesthesia may be used for some cases. Risks can include coughing, bronchospasm, bleeding, infection, or, rarely, pneumothorax. It’s different from surgical repair of the bronchi, measurement of airflow through the lungs, or imaging with X-ray, which involve separate tests.