Bronchoscopy is a test (and sometimes method of treatment) for lung infections or to check for obstructions in the airways. This procedure is done with the help of a bronchoscope. The scope is the device that is used to see into the lungs. A bronchoscopy can be done with a flexible or rigid bronchoscope but most often it is done with a flexible bronchoscope.
Nowadays more often than not, a bronchoscopy is done with a flexible bronchoscope, therefore giving it the name flexible bronchoscopy. The flexible bronchoscope has a tube that is about half an inch wide and about 2 feet long which is inserted into the person through the mouth or the nose.
The tube is then slowly moved down the trachea and into the lungs. Usually the nostrils are used when the doctor wants to check the upper airways and the mouth is used if the doctor wants to see the lungs. If the doctor goes through the mouth, a bigger tube is used.
Often oral numbing gel or surface anaesthetic is used when the tube is being pushed inside. There is an instant gagging reflex once the tube is inserted but that reduces once the gel starts to work and numbs the area. Occasionally you may be given numbing medication intravenously. But for a flexible bronchoscopy, the patient is always awake. In case a rigid bronchoscopy is being done then the patient is sedated with a general anaesthesia.
Once you are numb and the tube has reached the correct position, the doctor might push some saline solutions through the tube. This process is known as lavage and is done to collect samples of mucus or lung cells or any other materials. Occasionally a doctor might also use tiny needles or forceps to take a tissue sample for biopsy.
The patient can take some preparatory steps for the bronchoscopy.
Even after the test, avoid tugging, coughing, scratching your throat as you are bound to feel some after effects of test. The numbing medication reduces your cough reflex. This sensation will slowly return after the test. You might not be allowed to eat any food till then.
Occasionally you might also feel like you are suffocating and that is a natural response. It is not possible to choke during this test but you should be aware that it might be your body's response to think you are choking.
There are different health indications that might occur and your doctor might recommend a flexible bronchoscopy. Some of those conditions include
A bronchoscopy can also be done to drain an abscess or widen certain pathways or even treat cancer.
There aren't any typical complications from this procedure but there are some risks.
For some, even a general anaesthesia can cause some complications. Some side effects are nausea, vomiting and change in blood pressure.
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