Bronchoscopic Characterization of Lesions and Airway Abnormalities in Nepalese Patients Presenting with Chronic Cough with Normal Radiological Imaging

Introduction

Chronic cough, defined as cough lasting more than eight weeks, is one of the most common respiratory complaints in Nepal, accounting for up to 30% of pulmonary outpatient visits. Despite standard diagnostic workup, a substantial number of patients remain undiagnosed. Flexible bronchoscopy enables direct visualization of the tracheobronchial tree and collection of microbiological and histopathological specimens, offering added diagnostic value in patients with unexplained chronic cough and normal radiological imaging.