Can a bronchoscope remove phlegm from the lungs?
Apr 08, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Bronchoscopy can usually suction sputum from the lungs. A bronchoscope is a tube made of optical fibers and equipped with an operating channel. Suctioning sputum via bronchoscopy typically uses negative pressure through this operating channel to remove secretions. However, the bronchoscope can only reach relatively large bronchi and cannot access smaller bronchioles under 1mm in diameter; therefore, sputum located in fine or deep bronchi cannot be effectively removed.
Under normal circumstances, a bronchoscope can usually suction mucus from the lungs, but it can only remove secretions from the larger and medium-sized airways. The specific analysis is as follows:
A bronchoscope is a tube composed of optical fibers and equipped with an operating channel. Suctioning mucus via bronchoscopy typically involves using negative pressure through this channel to extract secretions. However, the bronchoscope can only reach relatively large bronchi and cannot access smaller bronchioles under 1 mm in diameter; therefore, mucus located in the fine or deeper bronchioles cannot be suctioned out. After bronchoscopic suctioning, mucus may continue to accumulate and should be expelled naturally through coughing.
Patients may also take expectorant medications under a physician's guidance to facilitate mucus clearance. Commonly used medications include carbocisteine oral solution, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, and ambroxol-terbutaline oral solution.
