Lung infections? Bronchial Lavage??

[FoolsGold]

What tests are available to someone with lung problems thought to be caused by prior exposure to a variety of unknown microbes?

How are the bronchii lavaged?
How the resultant washings analyzed?

What tests would be most suitable to a person experiencing uncooperative physicians and uncooperative insurance companies?

[JAVISI]

Foolsgold,
I have had a bronchial lavage about 1 year ago. I had Bilateral pneumonia and none of the antibiotics were working. I was given a sedative that did not work so I remember the entire procedure. A tube was placed down my throat and sterile water was inserted in to both of my lungs. When I would breathe I could hear and feel the bubbling in my lungs.

Then they suctioned the fluid out. They sent some of the fluid down to the lab to see what bacteria I had in my lungs. They then checked to see what antibiotics it was and was not resistant to. I was then gave the right antibiotic and finally got better!

I do not understand why your insurance would deny the procedure if it is needed. If your Dr thinks that you need to have it done ask him to write and appeal to your insurance company. Sometimes a Dr can sway the in surance company easier than the patient can!

Good Luck, Javi:)