Diagnosis and Treatment

Bronchoscopy may be used for many reasons, some of which include: diagnosing cancer, tuberculosis, lung infection, or other lung disease; examining deformity of the lungs; removing a foreign body in the lungs; removing tissue samples, also known as biopsy; allowing examination of a suspected tumor, obstruction, secretion, bleeding, or foreign body in the airways; determining the cause of a persistent cough, wheezing, or a cough that includes blood in the sputum.

Endobronchoscopy with Ultrasound (EBUS) is a procedure that may be performed during a bronchoscopy to provide further information to diagnose or determine the stage of a lung cancer.  This relatively new technique allows doctors to view regions of your lungs and surrounding chest area that have traditionally required more invasive surgical procedures to evaluate.  If abnormal areas are seen on the ultrasound, your doctor will then take a sample of tissue with a small needle guided by the ultrasound (transbronchial needle aspiration). The sample is then sent to a lab to look for the presence of cancer, or other abnormalities.

Bronchial Thermoplasty is a novel approach of attacking asthma at the source, by reducing the airway smooth muscle that causes the constriction of the airways. This reduces but does not eliminate asthma attacks. Parkview Medical Center is the only hospital in Southern Colorado to offer this treatment option is for patients with severe asthma who continue to be symptomatic despite taking their asthma medications. Bronchial Thermoplasty offers long lasting asthma control, resulting in improved asthma-related quality of life, decreased severe asthma attacks, reduction in emergency room visits and hospital stays for respiratory symptoms and reduction in days lost from work, school or other activities due to asthma. Bronchial Thermoplasty is only appropriate for adults  18 years and older with severe asthma. Bronchial Thermoplasty complements, but does not replace, asthma medications by providing long lasting asthma control. Recent data demonstrated that the effectiveness of Bronchial Thermoplasty persists for at least 5 years. A consultation with a pulmonologist is important to determine if this treatment is an option, as not all asthmatics are candidates.

Before and After Bronchial Thermoplasty

Educational Links

• American Lung Association
• ALS Foundation

• American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
• National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - Colorado license

• Pueblo Community College