A bronchoscopy is a medical test that lets doctors look into your lungs and airways. The procedure uses a thin tube with a small camera and light at the end. The doctor inserts it through your nose or mouth, down your
throat, and into your lungs. Most of the time, the tube is soft and flexible. The doctor might use a stiff tube if there’s bleeding in your lungs or an object in your airway. Doctors use bronchoscopy to find the cause of a lung problem. You might get it if you have: A bronchoscopy can also help your doctor: Your doctor will give you instructions. But in general: A bronchoscopy is done in a clinic or hospital setting. You’ll be in an exam room or operating room, and you’ll lie down on a table or bed. After that:
Because of the
anesthesia, you may not remember much afterward. The medical team will keep an eye on you for a few hours to make sure you don’t have any problems. Your mouth and throat may be numb, but that’ll wear off in a few hours. You won’t be able to eat or drink until the numbness is gone and you can swallow normally. Start with sips of water and soft foods, like soup. In the next few days, you may have a sore throat or hoarseness. Cough drops can help. Call your doctor if you have:
Risks and Side EffectsA bronchoscopy is usually safe, but there are a few risks. If your oxygen levels drop during the procedure, the doctor may give you oxygen. Afterward, you could get a fever or pneumonia. Or you might notice some bleeding. It’s rare, but a bronchoscopy can cause a collapsed lung. This is treatable, but you’ll have to stay in the hospital. Your doctor may order a chest X-ray after a bronchoscopy to check for any problems. ResultsAsk the person taking you home to listen when your doctor gives results, in case you’re still drowsy. Your doctor may tell you when to start taking your medications again. They should tell you when to expect your test results. Or they may give you results right away. Your doctor will let you know when all of the results are ready. How do you prepare a patient scheduled for a bronchoscopy?You may be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix) and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) several days before bronchoscopy. You'll also be asked not to eat or drink for four to eight hours before the procedure.
What should I watch after bronchoscopy and biopsy?Your Recovery
Bronchoscopy lets your doctor look at your airway through a tube called a bronchoscope. Afterward, you may feel tired for 1 or 2 days. Your mouth may feel very dry for several hours after the procedure. You may also have a sore throat and a hoarse voice for a few days.
What should I do before a bronchoscopy?How to Prepare. Don't eat or drink after midnight on the night before your bronchoscopy.. If you take medication daily, ask your doctor if you should take it on the day of the procedure. ... . On the day of the procedure, you'll be asked to remove your glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, dentures, or removable bridges.. What complications should the nurse be aware may occur during bronchoscopy?Following the procedure, closely monitor vital signs and respiratory status. Possible complications of bronchoscopy include laryngospasm, bronchospasm, bronchial perforation with possible pneumothorax or subcutaneous emphysema, hemorrhage, hypoxia, pneumonia or bacteremia, and cardiac stress.
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