Is lung washing painful, and how is it performed?
May 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Lung lavage refers to whole-lung lavage with large volumes of fluid, which is typically painless if the anesthesia is effective. However, patients who are insensitive to the anesthetic components may experience considerable discomfort. Whole-lung lavage primarily involves inserting a catheter to infuse normal saline into the lungs for cleansing purposes. After the procedure, it is recommended to minimize lung irritation, avoid smoking and alcohol, and refrain from excessive fatigue.
Lung washing refers to large-volume whole-lung lavage. It is usually painless when the anesthesia effect is good. However, if a patient is insensitive to the anesthetic components, the procedure may be painful. Large-volume whole-lung lavage primarily involves inserting a catheter to infuse normal saline into the lungs for cleansing purposes. The details are as follows:
1. Painless
The procedure site of large-volume whole-lung lavage is within the lungs. Since the lungs do not contain pain-sensitive nerves, and patients receive anesthesia before the procedure, the drugs in the anesthetic block nerve conduction and render nerves ineffective. Therefore, the procedure is typically painless.
2. Painful
If a patient's body is insensitive to the anesthetic components, pain sensation may persist even after anesthesia. During the infusion process, friction against the mucous membranes of the mouth and respiratory tract may occur, leading to soft tissue edema and resulting in pain, making the experience more uncomfortable.
It is recommended that after surgery, patients minimize lung irritation, avoid smoking and alcohol, and refrain from excessive fatigue.
