Bronchoalveolare

Bronchoalveolar refers to the lower respiratory tract, specifically the bronchi and the alveoli. The bronchi are tubes that branch from the trachea and lead air into the lungs, further dividing into smaller bronchioles. The alveoli are tiny, air-filled sacs at the end of the bronchioles where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place between the lungs and the bloodstream. This region is crucial for respiration.

Conditions affecting the bronchoalveolar area can significantly impact breathing. For instance, inflammation of the bronchi, known as bronchitis, can lead to coughing and difficulty breathing. Diseases that affect the alveoli, such as pneumonia or emphysema, impair gas exchange.

Bronchoalveolar lavage, often abbreviated as BAL, is a medical procedure where sterile saline is introduced into the lungs and then suctioned out. This fluid is then analyzed in a laboratory to detect infections, inflammation, or cancerous cells within the bronchoalveolar space. BAL is a diagnostic tool used to investigate various lung conditions, helping physicians determine the cause of symptoms and guide treatment.