The indications for a bronchoscopy are many. The object in each setting is different. For Endobronchial Symptoms or Signs Symptoms and signs of endobronchial disease are the most common indications for a bronchoscopy.
Lung cancer is one of the most common conditions where a bronchoscopy is indicated.
Patients who sustained burns and suspected of having injuries to the respiratory passages are bronchoscoped. In general, foreign body removal is best done with a rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. A fiberoptic bronchoscopy may be used as a screening procedure for suspected cases of aspiration. Patients with known or suspected foreign bodies should undergo a rigid bronchoscopy. If the evidence for aspiration is equivocal, patients should undergo a diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy, and then a rigid bronchoscopy if a foreign body is found.