Cigarette smoking, second-hand smoke, infection, pollution, and other environmental factors can contribute to the development of various lung disorders. These lung complications can lead to various distressing symptoms such as wheezing, cough, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and recurrent respiratory infections. To understand the main cause of these symptoms, one must schedule a consultation with the best lungs specialist doctor in Siliguri who can perform various lung screening tests to determine the underlying causes.
One of the most common and effective screening procedures that the doctor often utilizes to assess lung issues is bronchoscopy. In this technique, the doctor uses a flexible tube to reach the lungs and then evaluates the structure and functioning of the lungs through the fitted camera. You must know that this is not just a diagnostic procedure but can also play a major role in treating various lung conditions associated with painful symptoms.
Step-By-Step Procedure Of Bronchoscopy
Before starting the bronchoscopy, the doctor will advise you to stop drinking or eating anything for around 6-12 hours. If you take any blood thinners then the doctor will also recommend to stop it temporarily. In most cases of bronchoscopy, sedatives are used so it is better to have someone who can take you home after the procedure.
- The first step of bronchoscopy is to numb your throat and nose so that you don’t experience any pain or discomfort during the insertion of the tube. Certain sedatives can also be provided to you through IV lines.
- After sedation, the doctor will insert the tube through your nose and guide it down carefully through the throat.
- When the scope enters the windpipe, small puffs of air will be given to get a clear view of the airways and the entire lungs through the camera.
- This close-up view will help the doctor detect any bleeding, abnormal growths, blockages, or signs of disorders in the lungs.
- During this procedure, the doctor may also remove the abnormal mucus build-up and collect some tissue samples for further testing or biopsy.
- This thorough inspection of the lungs also enables to treatment of any blockages which is done by inserting a hollow stent or delivering a concentrated medication.
- After the evaluation, the scope is carefully pulled back. This entire procedure may range between 30-60 minutes.
When does The Doctor Recommends A Bronchoscopy?
The pulmonologist in Siliguri often recommends a bronchoscopy when a patient experiences symptoms of lung problems. It is especially done when the person is suffering from chronic cough where the cough can also have some tints of blood.
Other symptoms of lung issues that require evaluation of the lung through bronchoscopy are breathing difficulties and whistling sounds from the lungs. Initially, the doctor might perform a chest X-ray, and if any abnormalities are found then a bronchoscopy is done. This screening procedure can also be done to remove a detected tumor, mucus, blockage, or collapsed lungs.
Top Benefits
There are many benefits of bronchoscopy which indicates its wider usage in evaluating and detecting lung problems. Apart from efficiency in close-view inspection of the lung, the other benefits of this screening procedure are-
- Identifies the cause of bleeding inside the lungs
- Checks for any chronic lung disorders such as infections, COPD, and cancer
- Find the main reason for the long-lasting cough
- Look for any abnormal tumor or growth inside the lungs
- Helps to open the narrow passageway in the lungs and remove mucus
Possible Complications
Like other screening procedures, bronchoscopy may hold a certain amount of risk that you must know before undergoing the procedure. Some such complications that may resolve on their own in a few days are minor bleeding, scratchy throat, and temporary breathing difficulties. In some severe cases, one can also experience severe breathing emergencies and collapsed lungs. These complications are more common among people who have underlying health issues.
Although bronchoscopy is a safe and effective procedure, the lungs specialist doctor in Siliguri may avoid performing this procedure among people who suffer from bleeding disorders, serious breathing difficulties, and uncontrolled blood pressure. It is always advised to seek medical guidance and evaluate your medical condition before undergoing this lung screening.
