LUNG LAVAGES Meaning and
Definition
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Lung lavages, also known as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), is a medical procedure performed to diagnose and treat various respiratory conditions. It involves flushing the lungs with a sterile solution to collect fluid and cell samples for analysis.
During a lung lavage procedure, a bronchoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera, is inserted through the mouth or nose and directed into the airways of the lungs. A small amount of sterile saline solution is then introduced into the lungs, and the fluid is immediately suctioned out. This process is repeated multiple times to ensure a thorough lavage.
The collected fluid is sent to the laboratory for cytological and microbiological analysis, providing valuable information about the lung's cellular composition, presence of pathogens, and any signs of infection or inflammation. Lung lavage can aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as pneumonia, lung infections, and interstitial lung diseases. It can also help in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment in individuals with respiratory disorders.
In certain cases, therapeutic lung lavage can be performed to treat specific lung conditions. This involves flushing the lungs with large amounts of saline solution under anesthesia to remove excess mucus, blood, or other substances that may be obstructing the airways.
Lung lavages are typically performed by trained medical professionals, such as pulmonologists or respiratory therapists, in a hospital or clinic setting. The procedure carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, or damage to the airways. However, it is generally considered a safe and effective method for diagnosing and treating respiratory issues.
Common Misspellings for LUNG LAVAGES
- kung lavages
- pung lavages
- oung lavages
- lyng lavages
- lhng lavages
- ljng lavages
- ling lavages
- l8ng lavages
- l7ng lavages
- lubg lavages
- lumg lavages
- lujg lavages
- luhg lavages
- lunf lavages
- lunv lavages
- lunb lavages
- lunh lavages
- luny lavages
- lunt lavages
- lung kavages
Etymology of LUNG LAVAGES
The term "lung lavages" is derived from two different sources: "lung" from Old English "lungen" and "lavages" from the French word "lavage".
1. Lung: The word "lung" can be traced back to the Old English word "lungen" or "lungena", which has the same meaning as the current term. It further evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "lungōn" and ultimately finds its roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "*lengw-", meaning "light" or "easy to breathe". The word "lung" refers to the pair of respiratory organs within the chest that facilitate breathing in vertebrates.
2. Lavages: The term "lavages" is of French origin. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word "lavare", which means "to wash".
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