Bronchoscopy: Purpose, Procedure & Risks Explained

Bronchoscopy: A Comprehensive Guide to the Procedure

Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure where a doctor examines the inside of your lungs using a special instrument. This instrument is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at one end. This tube is passed through your nose or mouth, down your windpipe, and into your lungs. It allows for direct visualization of the lungs to diagnose diseases and, in some cases, to perform therapeutic procedures for treatment.

Why is a Bronchoscopy Performed?

Bronchoscopy is performed for various reasons, such as:

• Lung Cancer: To detect and examine lung cancer. This procedure is highly effective and necessary.

• Airway Infections: To find the cause of infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, or tuberculosis.

• Chronic Cough: To investigate the cause of a persistent cough.

• Shortness of Breath: To determine the reason for breathing difficulties.

• Blood Clots: To investigate blood clots in the lungs.

• Foreign Object Removal: To remove any foreign object lodged in the lungs, such as a coin, food, a loose tooth, or any food particle. Evercare Hospital specializes in safely removing such objects, especially in children.

The Bronchoscopy Procedure

Bronchoscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not need to stay overnight in the hospital. Before the procedure, you will be given some instructions, such as:

• Avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.

• Informing your doctor about any regular medications you take.

• You may be given medication to help you relax during the procedure.

During the procedure, the doctor will guide the bronchoscope through your nose or mouth, down your windpipe, and into your lungs. You might feel some discomfort, such as a tickling in your throat or the urge to cough.

After the Bronchoscopy

After the bronchoscopy, you might experience a sore throat or some coughing. Your doctor may give you instructions, such as:

• Consuming only liquids for a few hours.

• Avoiding smoking for a few days.

Risks of Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is generally a safe procedure, but it does carry some risks, such as:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Breathing difficulties

• Reaction to anesthesia

However, these are usually short-lived and, in most cases, resolve shortly after the procedure.

Conclusion

Bronchoscopy is a vital procedure for diagnosing and treating various lung problems. If you have any lung-related issues, your doctor may recommend a bronchoscopy. Before the procedure, discuss it in detail with your doctor to prepare yourself.