This article will help you understand bronchoscopy and how to prepare for it.
What Is a Bronchoscopy Procedure?
Bronchoscopy is a procedure doctors use to examine the inside of the lungs, diagnose lung diseases, and sometimes treat some lung disorders. It consists of a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and a small camera lens at its end.
When Is Bronchoscopy Performed?
Common reasons to perform a bronchoscopy include:
- Diagnosing abnormal changes such as growths, tumors, or scars in lung tissue.
- Diagnosing lung issues.
- Taking a biopsy from the lymph nodes near the lungs.
- Taking a biopsy from the lung tissues.
- If a person has a foreign object in their airway.
- If a person has a persistent cough for more than 3 months without a clear cause.
- If a person has an infection in the lungs and respiratory tract.
- If a person has inhaled a toxic gas or chemical.
- Post lung transplant procedure, to ensure there's no rejection by the body.
- Treating certain lung problems.
How To Prepare for a Bronchoscopy?
- Refrain from eating or drinking for 6 to 12 hours before the examination.
- Your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking any medication that could increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
- Inform the doctor about the medications you are taking.
- Inform the doctor about any health issues you are experiencing.
- Ensure the presence of an escort after the bronchoscopy procedure.
