Bronchoscopy - aftercare
Description
Bronchoscopy is a test to view the inside of the airways and lungs. It is used to help diagnose lung disease and treat certain lung conditions.
It is mainly done to
- View and clear the airways of any obstruction or blockage.
- Diagnose an unexplained cough or wheezing.
- Extract samples of lung tissue or fluid for biopsy.
- Diagnose or treat some lung conditions.
Alternative Names
Bronchoscopy - self-care
About the Test
Bronchoscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using a bronchoscope. A bronchoscope uses a thin tube and a tiny camera at the end to view the inside of your lungs. The tube is inserted through your mouth or nose.
There are two types of bronchoscopy: flexible and rigid. A flexible scope is almost always used. Rarely, a rigid bronchoscope is used.
- You will likely get medicines through a vein (IV, or intravenously) to help you relax. Or, you may be asleep under general anesthesia, especially if a rigid scope is used.
- A numbing medicine (anesthetic) will be sprayed in your mouth and throat. If bronchoscopy is done through your nose, numbing jelly will be placed in the nostril the tube goes through.
The procedure generally takes 30 to 45 minutes, but may last longer.
What to Expect
After the procedure, you will go to the recovery room. You will be monitored for rare signs of potential damage to the airways or lungs by the bronchoscope.
If you had a rigid bronchoscopy your provider may order a chest x-ray to rule out pneumothorax (collapsed lung) following the bronchoscopy.
You will lose your cough or gag reflex because of the numbing medicine used to relax your throat muscles while performing the bronchoscopy. Your ability to cough or gag will return in 1 to 2 hours as the anesthetic wears off.
You must take some precautions after your bronchoscopy is complete:
- Don't eat or drink until you get your gag or cough reflex back. There is a significant risk of choking if you swallow anything before the numbing medicine wears off.
- Once the numbness goes away, start by drinking water slowly, sip by sip, to avoid choking.
You will likely go home the same day. Rarely, some people may need to stay overnight in the hospital.
- Since you will be under the effects of anesthetic medicines or sedatives after the test, arrange ahead of time to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic. Don't drive yourself or travel alone.
Self-Care at Home
- Be sure to rest the day after the procedure. Arrange for help with work, child care, or other tasks. Aftereffects of anesthesia may make you drowsy or sluggish for 24 hours, sometimes longer (rare).
- If your provider gives you pain medicines, take them as prescribed. Don't take over-the-counter medicines without consulting your provider.
- Eat soft foods such as soup, yogurt, Jell-O, and pudding for a day or two. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated unless you have been instructed not to have them.
- Your throat may be scratchy for several days after the test. Ask your provider which medicines or home therapy can help relieve the discomfort.
- Ask your provider before resuming your regular medicines.
- Follow up with your provider for the test results. If your bronchoscopy has been done for a biopsy, it may take longer to get the test results.
Meanwhile, if your symptoms are getting worse, contact your provider.
When to Call the Doctor
Bronchoscopy is usually a safe procedure. Side effects such as bleeding in the airways or lung infection are very rare.
Contact your provider right away if you have any of these symptoms after bronchoscopy:
- Hoarseness or a sore throat that doesn't go away
- Pain when swallowing
- Cough with blood
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Fever that lasts more than 24 hours
References
American Cancer Society website. Bronchoscopy. www.cancer.org/cancer/diagnosis-staging/tests/endoscopy/bronchoscopy.html. Updated January 14, 2019. Accessed January 24, 2025.
American Lung Association website. What is bronchoscopy? www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/bronchoscopy. Updated November 20, 2024. Accessed January 24, 2025.
Antonelli M, Bello G, Di Muzio F. Flexible bronchoscopy. In: Vincent J-L, Moore FA, Bellomo R, Marini JJ, eds. Textbook of Critical Care. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024: E13, 1370.e105-1370.e110.
Küpeli E, Mehta AC. Diagnostic bronchoscopy: basic techniques. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 26.
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
