Day of bronchoscopy

Overview

A bronchoscopy is a medical test that lets your doctor look inside your windpipe and lungs using a thin, flexible camera tube. This test can help find the cause of lung problems or take small tissue samples for testing.

Yes, thousands of people have a bronchoscopy every year. It is a routine test for lung problems.

It is used for people of all ages who need a closer look at their airways or need a sample from inside the lung.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Before the test: you may feel nervous or anxious.
• After the test: your throat may feel sore, numb, or tickly.
• You might cough up a little blood for a day or two.

Symptoms in children

• Children may feel scared or confused about the test.
• Afterwards, they may have a scratchy throat or feel tired.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may feel more tired or dizzy after sedation.
• They may need extra help getting home or moving around.

Causes

Main causes

• A bronchoscopy is done to look for the cause of a persistent cough, recurring pneumonia, or abnormal spots on a chest X-ray.
• It is also used to take a sample (biopsy) of a suspicious area in the lung.

Risk factors

• Having a lung condition that makes breathing harder.
• Taking blood thinners (always tell your doctor about all medicines).
• Being very anxious about medical procedures.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have heavy bleeding, sudden chest pain, or trouble breathing after the test.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a mild fever, continued sore throat, or small amounts of blood in spit for more than two days.

Diagnosis

A bronchoscopy is itself a diagnostic test. Your doctor uses the camera to see inside your airways and may take small samples (biopsies) for lab testing. The results help diagnose conditions like infection, inflammation, or lung cancer.

Tests that may be done

• Bronchoscopy with a thin, bendable camera (flexible bronchoscopy).
• Sometimes a small brush or tiny forceps is used to collect cells or tissue.
• A lung wash (bronchoalveolar lavage) may be done to collect fluid for testing.

What to expect at your appointment

On the day, you will be asked to not eat or drink for a few hours before. You will change into a hospital gown. The doctor will numb your throat with a spray and give you medicine through a vein to help you relax or sleep. You will lie on your side or back. The thin tube is passed through your nose or mouth into your windpipe. You may feel some pressure but not pain. The test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Afterwards you will be watched in a recovery area for a few hours until the numbness and drowsiness wear off.

Treatment

The bronchoscopy itself is often part of a diagnosis, but sometimes it is used for treatment — for example, to remove a small growth, open a blocked airway, or stop bleeding. The same camera tube can be used to insert tiny tools.

Self-care at home

• Rest for the rest of the day after the test.
• Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours if you had sedation.
• Drink cool liquids to soothe your throat.

Medical treatments

If a biopsy shows infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If a growth is found, further treatment may include more procedures, medicines (like those that shrink growths), or other therapies. Your healthcare team will discuss the best plan based on your results.

When is surgery considered?

If the bronchoscopy finds a serious condition like lung cancer, additional surgery may be needed. But not everyone needs surgery — it depends on the specific problem.

Living with this condition

Most people only need a bronchoscopy once. After the test, you can usually return to normal activities the next day. You may feel a little tired or have a mild sore throat for a day.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 24 hours after the test — it can slow healing.
• Do not blow your nose hard or exercise heavily for a day or two.

Diet and exercise

You can eat and drink normally once the numbness in your throat is gone (usually after a few hours). Start with soft, cool foods. Ease back into exercise slowly — listen to your body.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for test results can be worrying. It is normal to feel anxious. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor about your concerns. Many hospitals have support services for people undergoing tests.

Prevention

A bronchoscopy is a test — it is not something you can prevent. But you can prepare for it in ways that make it go smoothly: follow your doctor's instructions about eating and drinking, bring a list of your medicines, and arrange for someone to drive you home.

Complications

If left untreated

• Rare but possible: bleeding from a biopsy site that continues.
• Infection after the test (fever, chills).
• Chest infection (pneumonia) if already sick.

Long-term outlook

The vast majority of people have a straightforward bronchoscopy with no problems. Even when complications happen, they are usually treatable. The information gained from the test is often very helpful for getting the right care.

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