A bronchoscopy is a test to look at your airways and lungs. A long, thin tube is put through your nose or mouth into your lungs. This test is used to check for lung disease or to remove mucous. A small piece of tissue may be removed and studied in the lab. This is called a biopsy.

An adult family member or friend needs to come with you to take you home after the test. It is not safe for you to drive or return home alone.

Arrive on time for your test. Plan on this test taking about 2 hours.

To Prepare

• Talk to your doctor about any medicines you take to thin your blood to prevent clots. You may need to change these medicines or adjust the amount you take before this test.
• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight before the test.
• If you are to take your medicines the morning of the test, take them with sips of water only.

During the Test

• You will wear a hospital gown.
• You sit in a chair or lie on a table during the test.
• An IV (intravenous) is put in a vein in your arm.
• You may be given some medicine to help you relax.
• Small pads are put on your chest to check your heart. For men, chest hair may need to be shaved.
• A blood pressure cuff is put on your arm. Your blood pressure and heart rate are checked often.
• A clip device is put on your finger to check your oxygen level.
• You may be given oxygen to breathe during the test.
• Your mouth and nose are sprayed with numbing medicine.
• The doctor puts the tube into your nose or mouth. You may feel the tube in your throat or the need to cough. You will be able to swallow and breathe.
• Your doctor will be talking to you, but you should not talk during the test. This helps keep you from having a sore throat.
• The doctor removes mucous and a tissue sample if needed.
• The tube is then removed.

After the Test

• The nurse will check you often for about 1 hour after the test.
• Medicines given during the test will make you sleepy. You will need to have an adult family member or friend take you home for your safety.
• In about 2 hours, the numbing medicine wears off and you will be able to eat and drink.
• You may have a sore nose or throat, a hoarse voice, or a cough. It is normal to cough up a small amount of blood.
• Test results are sent to your doctor. Your doctor will share the results with you.

Call your doctor if you have:

• A fever over 100.5 degrees F or 38 degrees C.
• A sore nose, throat or hoarse voice that lasts more than 2 days
• Other concerns.

Call 911 right away if you:

• Have trouble breathing.
• Have chest pain.
• Have problems swallowing.
• Are coughing up large amounts of blood or you have heavy bleeding from your nose or mouth.

Conclusion:

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

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Disclaimer:

This report provides general health information, not professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for any questions regarding your medical condition.