Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure used to visually examine the airways and lungs. It involves inserting a thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the airways. The bronchoscope can be either flexible or rigid, with flexible scopes being more commonly used for diagnostic purposes and rigid scopes used in situations requiring more control, such as removing large objects or managing severe bleeding. During the procedure, healthcare providers can inspect the airways for abnormalities like tumors, inflammation, or foreign bodies, and may collect tissue samples for further analysis. Bronchoscopy can also be therapeutic, allowing for treatments such as stent placement or removal of blockages.