Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible camera is passed into the airways to look directly at the lungs and bronchial tubes.
Doctors may request bronchoscopy for coughing up blood, a persistent cough, repeated chest infection, suspected blockage, a suspicious scan finding, or the need to take a sample from inside the airway.
Imaging helps show where the abnormal area is and why bronchoscopy may be needed, helping the doctor know what part of the airway or lung to target.
Imaging often helps decide why bronchoscopy is needed and where the suspicious area or blockage is located beforehand.
Bronchoscopy may be used for biopsy, infection workup, mucus removal, or evaluating abnormal airway findings.
This entry explains the procedure. Before you go, read the longer prep guide or find a centre that performs it.