You Need to Know About Bronchoscopy
If your doctor has recommended a bronchoscopy, it’s natural to have questions. While the idea of a camera entering your airways might sound intimidating, this common diagnostic tool is essential for respiratory health.
This guide breaks down why the procedure is performed, what to expect on the day of your appointment, and how to ensure a smooth recovery.
What is a Bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor (usually a pulmonologist) to examine your air passages. Using a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope, your physician can look at your throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and the lower airways (bronchi).
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Types of Bronchoscopes
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Flexible Bronchoscope: The most common type. It uses fiber optics and a camera to navigate deep into the smaller pathways of the lungs.
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Rigid Bronchoscope: A straight, metal tube used primarily for surgical interventions, such as removing a large foreign object or stopping significant bleeding.
Why Do I Need a Bronchoscopy?
Doctors use this procedure to diagnose lung problems, identify infections, or even treat certain conditions. You might be scheduled for a bronchoscopy if you have:
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Abnormal Imaging
To investigate a "spot" or mass seen on an X-ray or CT scan.
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Biopsy Needs
To collect tissue samples for testing (e.g., checking for lung cancer or sarcoidosis).
How to Prepare for the Procedure
Proper preparation is key to a safe and successful exam. Your medical team will provide specific instructions, but generally, you should follow these steps:
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Fast: You will likely be asked to avoid food and drink for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure to prevent aspiration.
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Medication Review: Disclose all medications, especially blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, as you may need to pause them temporarily.
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Arrange a Ride: Since you will receive sedation or anesthesia, you cannot drive yourself home.
What Happens During a Bronchoscopy?
The procedure typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Here is a step-by-step look at the process:
Step
1. Numbing
2. Sedation
3. Insertion
4. Inspection
5. Biopsy
A local anesthetic is sprayed into your nose and throat to reduce the gag reflex.
You will receive medication through an IV to help you relax or sleep.
The doctor gently guides the scope through the nose or mouth and down into the lungs.
The doctor views the airways on a monitor. They may perform a "lavage" (rinsing with saline) to collect cells.
If a suspicious area is found, tiny tools are passed through the scope to take a tissue sample.
What Happens
Recovery and Aftercare
After the procedure, you will stay in a recovery area for a few hours until the sedation wears off.
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Throat Soreness: It is normal to have a dry or scratchy throat for a day or two.
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Eating: Do not eat or drink until your "gag reflex" returns (usually within 1–2 hours) to avoid choking.
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Rest: Plan to take the rest of the day off. Most patients return to normal activities the following day.
When to call your doctor
If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or cough up more than a few tablespoons of blood, seek medical attention immediately.
About the Service Provider
Dr. Smaran Cladius - MD Respiratory Medicine, Fellowship in Interventional Pulmonology, Certificate in Allergy Testing & Allergen Immunotherapy
Pulmonologist | Chest Physician | Allergy & Sleep Specialist
Dr. Smaran Cladius is a pulmonologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, including chronic cough, asthma, COPD, respiratory allergies, tuberculosis, interstitial lung diseases and sleep-related breathing disorders.
Medically reviewed and Last updated: July 2026
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full Medical Disclaimer →