BRONCHOSCOPY

The bronchi are the lower airway passages that branch from the windpipe and go into the lungs. A bronchoscopy allows a healthcare provider to look directly into the voice box, windpipe, and bronchi. The purpose of this procedure is to look for possible tumors, infections, blockage, excess mucus, bleeding, foreign objects, or to obtain a piece of tissue (biopsy) for diagnostic purposes.

A bronchoscope is the tool used to perform the procedure. It is a narrow, flexible tube that contains the tiny camera. This tube passes easily down the throat and through the windpipe passages and rarely causes injury or side effects. A larger, rigid bronchoscope may be required for some procedures.

No food should be eaten for 6 to 12 hours before the bronchoscopy. A local or general anesthetic is given during the procedure. The gag reflex may be suppressed with a local anesthetic sprayed into the nose and mouth. A sedative may also be given to further relax the person. The bronchoscopy procedure lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.

After the test, a sore throat, hoarseness, or loss of voice may occur. These effects will go away within a few days. Lozenges or soothing gargles may be helpful. Test results are generally ready in a few days. However, results for tuberculosis may take longer. It is important to talk to the healthcare provider, probably a surgeon, about the procedure and ask any questions that you have on what to expect before and after the procedure.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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