ABSTRACT
Bronchoscopy in children offers clinicians the unique ability to diagnose and treat airway pathology in pediatric patients. Both rigid and flexible bronchoscopes can be utilized to evaluate upper and lower airway anatomy, assess airway dynamics, collect clinical samples, and administer therapeutic interventions. This chapter serves as an introduction to bronchoscopy and explores what this procedure can add to clinical and radiographic assessments. The clinical uses of the rigid and flexible bronchoscopes are discussed, highlighting the benefits and limitations of each. A patient case serves as an example of how these tools are often used in tandem to better understand airway pathology. A collaborative approach involving clinicians from otolaryngology and pulmonology may be key to ensuring comprehensive care of the patient. General tips for clinical practice are included. Both rigid and flexible bronchoscopy serve as important tools in the evaluation and management of airway and lung pathology in the pediatric patient.
