What procedure is used to visualize the airways and lungs?

Bronchoscopy is a procedure specifically designed to visualize the airways and lungs by using a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope. This instrument is inserted through the nose or mouth and down into the airways, allowing healthcare providers to directly observe the mucosal surfaces of the airways, collect tissue samples, and even deliver treatments. The ability to see the bronchial tree and lung structures in real time makes bronchoscopy a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for various respiratory conditions, including infections, tumors, or blockages.

In contrast, a CT scan is primarily an imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs and surrounding structures but does not allow for direct visualization or intervention within the airways. A barium swallow is used primarily to assess swallowing function, while a lung biopsy, although related in terms of lung health, is a procedure used to obtain tissue samples from lung tissue rather than visualizing the airways directly.