Bronchoscopy

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Bronchoscopy

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Many people want to rest the following day, so make arrangements for work, child care, or other obligations. Usually, the test is done as an outpatient procedure, and you will go home the same day. Some patients may need to stay overnight in the hospital.

How the test will feel

Local anesthesia is used to relax the throat muscles. Until the anesthetic begins to work, you may feel fluid running down the back of your throat and have the need to cough or gag.

Once the anesthetic takes effect, you may have sensations of pressure or mild tugging as the tube moves through the windpipe (trachea). Although many patients feel like they might suffocate when the tube is in the throat, there is NO risk of suffocation. If you cough during the test, you will get more anesthetic.

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When the anesthetic wears off, your throat may be scratchy for several days. After the test, the cough reflex will return in 1 - 2 hours. You will not be allowed to eat or drink until your cough reflex returns.

Why the test is performed

You may have a bronchoscopy to help your doctor diagnose lung problems. Your doctor will be able to inspect the airways or take a biopsy sample.

Common reasons to perform a bronchoscopy are:

Lung growth, lymph node, atelectasis, or other changes seen on an x-ray or other imaging test
Suspected interstitial lung disease
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Possible foreign object in the airway
Cough that has lasted more than 3 months without any other explanation
Infections in the lungs and bronchi
Inhaled toxic gas or chemical

You may also have a bronchoscopy to treat a lung or airway problem, such as:

Remove fluid or mucus plugs from your airways
Remove a foreign object from your airways
Widen (dilate) an airway that is blocked or narrowed
Drain an abscess
Treat cancer using a number of different techniques
Wash out an airway (therapeutic lavage)

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Review Date: 04/27/2010
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).