Bronchoalveolar lavage
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (Pronunciation: bron-ko-al-ve-o-lar la-vaj) is a medical procedure often used in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases.
Etymology
The term "Bronchoalveolar Lavage" is derived from the words "broncho" referring to the bronchus, "alveolar" referring to the alveoli, and "lavage" which is French for washing.
Procedure
Bronchoalveolar Lavage, often abbreviated as BAL, involves washing out the bronchi and alveoli of the lungs with a saline solution. This is typically done through a bronchoscope, a flexible tube that is inserted through the mouth or nose and down into the lungs. The saline solution is then injected into a section of the lung and then collected for examination.
Uses
Bronchoalveolar Lavage is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It can help diagnose infections, cancers, and other lung diseases by allowing doctors to examine cells and other substances in the lung. Therapeutically, it can be used to remove mucus or other blockages from the lungs.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bronchoalveolar lavage
- Wikipedia's article - Bronchoalveolar lavage
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