BRONCHIAL LAVAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Bronchial lavage, also known as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), is a medical procedure used to obtain samples of cells and fluid from the bronchial airways and alveoli (small air sacs) within the lungs. It is a diagnostic technique commonly performed by healthcare professionals such as pulmonologists or respiratory therapists.
During bronchial lavage, a flexible bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose and into the airways to reach the bronchi. A small amount of sterile saline solution is then injected into the airways through the scope. The saline is gently instilled and withdrawn multiple times to collect cells, secretions, and other substances from the lung surfaces.
These collected samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis, which may include examining the cells under a microscope, culturing or testing for infectious organisms, determining the presence of abnormal cells or inflammatory markers, or measuring certain chemicals or substances.
Bronchial lavage is helpful in diagnosing a variety of lung conditions, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung infections, interstitial lung diseases, certain cancers, or detecting and monitoring the progress of lung transplant rejection. It can provide valuable information about the types and numbers of cells present in the airways and help identify the cause of respiratory symptoms, infections, or abnormal lung findings observed on imaging tests.
Overall, bronchial lavage plays a vital role in assisting healthcare professionals in evaluating and diagnosing various pulmonary conditions, ultimately aiding in the development of appropriate treatment plans.
Common Misspellings for BRONCHIAL LAVAGE
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Etymology of BRONCHIAL LAVAGE
The word "bronchial lavage" is derived from two separate terms: "bronchial" and "lavage".
1. Bronchial: The word "bronchial" is derived from the Greek word "bronkhos", which means "windpipe" or "throat". It refers to the passages in the respiratory system called bronchi, which are the major airways that lead to the lungs.
2. Lavage: "Lavage" comes from the French word "laver" meaning "to wash". In medical terminology, the term "lavage" refers to the process of irrigating or washing a body cavity, organ, or wound. It is commonly used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes to remove debris or collect samples for analysis.
Therefore, "bronchial lavage" combines these two terms to describe the medical procedure where the bronchi are washed or irrigated to obtain samples or clean the airways.
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