A bronchoscopy is a test that allows a doctor to examine your airways. Your doctor will thread an instrument called a bronchoscope through your nose or mouth and down your throat to reach your lungs.

The bronchoscope is made of a flexible fiber-optic material and has a light source and a camera on the end. Most bronchoscopes are compatible with color video, which helps your doctor document their findings.

Bronchoscopy can be used to diagnose:

a lung disease an infection an infection a chronic cough a tumor