Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy (bron-KOS-ko-pee) is a procedure used to look inside the lungs’ airways, called the bronchi and bronchioles. It is used to help diagnose certain lung conditions.

During the procedure, your doctor passes a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope through your nose (or sometimes your mouth), down your throat, and into your airways. If you have a breathing tube, the bronchoscope can be passed through the tube to your airways.

The bronchoscope has a light and small camera that allow your doctor to see your windpipe and airways and take pictures.

After procedure instructions:

It is important that you DO NOT eat or drink for two hours after your procedure until the anaesthetic has worn off.  The time will be written down for you.

You may begin with sips of water. If you can swallow the water without difficulty, you may eat and drink.

Usually, there are no discernible effects of the procedure.  In some cases, mild throat discomfort and coughing small amounts of blood may occur immediately following Bronchoscopy, especially if a biopsy was performed. The discomfort should subside in 24 to 48 hours.

Avoid iced drinks, which could stimulate coughing.

You may have an elevated temperature after the Bronchoscopy. If your temperature persists above 38 degrees Celsius, please seek medical advice promptly.

Rarely you may need to take Paracetamol (Panadol) 4-6 hourly to control fever and achiness. Take any other prescribed medication as directed by the Physician.

If you experience the following symptoms, please seek medical advice promptly:

• Excessive coughing with the production of blood and/or
• Increasing shortness of breath
• New chest pain

If you have any concerns after your procedure, please contact the following:

• Auckland Voice & Swallow on 09 522 2226
• Your Family Doctor / GP
• After hours – 24 Hour Medical Centre
• In case of an emergency – contact the Emergency Department at your nearest Hospital.