Refractory Asthma Stratification Programme (RASP) Bronchoscopy Study

Flexible bronchoscopy will be performed under conscious sedation (with premedication using a mild sedative such as 1-2.5 mg IV midazolam) followed by use of topical anaesthesia (lidocaine spray) on the throat, vocal cords, and trachea in order to investigate the airways. The procedure allows sampling of the airway tissue to allow for laboratory analysis. Three brushings of a small area of the epithelial surface of an airway will be performed via a specialised channel of the bronchoscope with the use of a sterile cytology brush and up to eight 2-mm endobronchial biopsies.