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Bronchoscopy
You may be sleepy after the test, so you should arrange for transportation to and from the hospital. 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:
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Local anesthesia is used to relax the throat muscles. Until the anesthetic begins to work, you may feel fluid running down the back of the throat and the need to cough or gag. Once the anesthetic takes effect, there may be sensations of pressure or mild tugging as the tube moves through the wind pipe (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, more anesthetic will be added. When the anesthetic wears off, your throat may be scratchy for several days. After the test, the cough reflex will return in 1 to 2 hours. You will not be allowed to eat or drink until your cough reflex returns. Why the test is performed:
Bronchoscopy is recommended if lung disease is suspected and an inspection of the airways or a tissue sample is needed to confirm it. The test can be used to evaluate almost any disease in pulmonary medicine, including:
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