Segmental Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure conducted by placing a small fiberoptic scope into the lung of a patient, and injecting sterile water (saline) into the lung and removing the fluid. The sterile solution removed contains secretions, cells, and protein from the lower respiratory tract. This sample can be analyzed to provide more information about possible disease processes going on in the lungs. This protocol will be used to perform BAL, bronchial brushing, and bronchial wall biopsy in normal volunteers and patients with pulmonary disease. The samples collected during the study will be used to examine biochemical processes in the lung that may contribute to lung disease