What is a Flexible Bronchoscopy?

A flexible bronchoscopy is a procedure used to look inside the airways of the lungs. A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the nose or mouth and down into the breathing passages.

Your doctor may recommend this procedure to:

• Investigate an abnormal chest x-ray or scan
• Help find the cause of a lung infection
• Look into coughing up blood
• Assess a persistent cough or noisy breathing
• Check for a blockage in the airways
• Collect mucus or tissue samples for testing

Before Your Procedure

Before a bronchoscopy, you may be asked to:

• Stop eating for several hours before the procedure
• Stop drinking at the advised time
• Tell us if you take blood thinners
• Tell us if you have diabetes
• Let us know about any allergies or previous reactions to sedation
• Arrange for someone to take you home if sedation is planned

Please note: It is important to follow the exact fasting and medication instructions given by our office.

What to Expect During the Procedure

When you arrive, our team will explain each step clearly and help you feel as comfortable as possible.

During the procedure:

• Your nose, mouth, or throat may be numbed with local anaesthetic
• You may also receive sedation to help you relax
• The bronchoscope is passed gently through the nose or mouth into the airways
• The doctor may inspect the airways, take samples, or wash a small area with sterile fluid to collect cells for testing

You may feel:

• Coughing
• An unusual feeling in the throat
• Mild pressure
• Some temporary shortness of breath

You will be closely monitored throughout.

After the Procedure

After the test:

• Your throat may feel sore or numb for a short time
• You may cough a little afterwards
• If samples were taken, you may cough up a small amount of blood-streaked sputum for a short time
• You may need to wait until the numbness wears off before eating or drinking
• If you had sedation, do not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours