An investigation into the value of bronchoscopic aspiration in cases of persistent cough in children

Abstract

1. Bronchoscopic aspiration in the treatment of persistent cough in childhood is proved to be of benefit. 2. In chronic bronchitis aspiration of the muco pus lining the main bronchi leads to a diminution of the cough, an improvement in the general health of the child; and gain in weight, and to a disappearance of the physical signs in the lungs. 3. It also causes an amelioration of the symptoms in cases of advanced bronchiectasis. 4. In the cases considered to be the precursors of bronchiectasis, by removing the tenacious secretion in the bronchi, it prevents extension of the inflammatory processes. 5. Bronchoscopic aspiration of the contents of a lung abscess allows the inflammation of the infected area, including the surrounding lung tissue, to resolver 6. In unresolved broncho-pneumania aspiration leads to resolution. 7. In pulmonary collapse, removal of the obstruction in the bronchus allows the lung to re-inflate. 8. In asthma, aspiration of the tenacious muco pus lining the bronchi, which is a feature of such cases, appears to restore to normal the natural methods by which bronchi are cleared of their secretion. 9. The findings of this investigation suggest that in children with lung conditions causing persistent cough, (tuberculosis excepted), bronchoscopie aspiration should be used when routine medical treatment fails to relieve the cough, end that this treatment should be used early and not merely as a last resort.