Role of bronchoalveolar lavage in interstitial lung disease

The role of bronchoalveolar lavage in interstitial lung disease has changed over the years. It has been an important research tool in understanding the inflammatory response of the lung in sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Its role in the diagnosis and management in those diseases is not clear because there is some variation in the inflammatory response and the effects of therapy. Bronchoalveolar lavage has been supportive in making the diagnosis of many interstitial lung diseases. It has also proved useful in making a specific diagnosis in some conditions. As research continues in the cause of interstitial lung disease, bronchoalveolar lavage will continue to provide a window of the lung.