Bronchoscopy
Endoscopic examination of the trachea and bronchi using a flexible or rigid bronchoscope for diagnosis or treatment.
The clinical context of Bronchoscopy lies mainly in respiratory medicine; understanding it requires relating the term to symptoms, anatomy, physiology and the patient's medical history.
How bronchoscopy presents is not identical in every patient: age, underlying disease, duration, severity and associated clinical findings can substantially change its appearance.
Evaluation of bronchoscopy starts with the relevant history and examination, followed when appropriate by laboratory studies, imaging, pathology, microbiology, functional testing or another targeted investigation.
Care for bronchoscopy is individualized, balancing symptom control, treatment of the underlying process, prevention of complications and preservation of normal function.
The outlook associated with bronchoscopy varies by cause and timing of treatment, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up more useful than interpreting the term in isolation.
How bronchoscopy presents is not identical in every patient: age, underlying disease, duration, severity and associated clinical findings can substantially change its appearance.
Evaluation of bronchoscopy starts with the relevant history and examination, followed when appropriate by laboratory studies, imaging, pathology, microbiology, functional testing or another targeted investigation.
Care for bronchoscopy is individualized, balancing symptom control, treatment of the underlying process, prevention of complications and preservation of normal function.
The outlook associated with bronchoscopy varies by cause and timing of treatment, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up more useful than interpreting the term in isolation.
This information is for general awareness only and is not medical advice. Consult a doctor for any health concern.