Dr. Ann Hwalek, DO

For visualization, bronchoscopy can be done alone, or it can be combined with ultrasound. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) allows real-time imaging of the airway and is used for diagnosing and staging lung cancer, as well as for determining where the cancer has spread. EBUS can be performed with TBNA, a procedure known as endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).

Doctors can also use bronchoscopy as a treatment for lung problems. For example, if a foreign body is trapped in the airway, doctors can insert forceps through the bronchoscope to remove it. If the airway has become narrowed - which may occur if patients have an infection, cancer, or some other inflammatory issue - bronchoscopy can be used to place a device called a stent in the area of constriction. The stent will keep the airway open, allowing the patient to breathe properly.

During a bronchoscopy, patients will be given medication (sedative) to help them relax. If it is only a diagnostic bronchoscopy, patients will be kept awake, but if the bronchoscopy is for therapeutic purposes, patients will be put to sleep by general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few hours. They will not be able to eat or drink for about 2 hours. Some patients may experience discomfort, such as a sore throat or pain while swallowing. Throat lozenges and gargling may help alleviate these symptoms, which should go away after a few days. Patients will need to have someone drive them home once their doctor determines that they are ready.

When excessive sweating is the main complaint and is not related to any other condition, it is called primary hyperhidrosis. There is no known cause, but it does tend to run in families. Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating that is caused by another medical condition, such as anxiety, cancer, hyperthyroidism, or menopause. Sometimes treating the underlying condition can improve this type of sweating.

There are tests doctors can use to diagnose hyperhidrosis. One involves simply soaking up the perspiration with paper and then weighing the paper to measure how much extra sweat is being produced. Another test, called the starch-iodine test, involves covering the body with powder. This powder turns blue in any areas where sweat is produced.

Treatment depends on the severity of the hyperhidrosis and the areas affected. Some options are:

• Prescription antiperspirants, which contain aluminum chloride and work by plugging the sweat ducts. This signals the sweat glands to decrease sweat production. They work for moderate cases of hyperhidrosis and are relatively affordable.
• Lontophoresis, a procedure that uses small amounts of electricity and a tray of tap water to decrease production of sweat glands in the hands or feet.
• Botox, which can be injected into the nerves that control sweat glands in the underarms.
• Sympathectomy, a surgery for severe cases that can be performed to cut the nerves that stimulate sweat production. Sympathectomy is most effective for hyperhidrosis of the hands. It may cause new symptoms of sweating elsewhere on the body.
• Surgery to remove sweat glands, most often in the underarms.

Hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition that causes both physical and emotional distress. Treatments are available, and support groups exist to help patients cope.