What Happens During Bronchoscopy?
• You will be asked to wear a gown. The physician, nurses, and/or technicians will be with you. • During the procedure you will lie on a table with your head elevated, and your pulse and blood pressure will be checked. The room may be darkened. • You may receive intravenous sedation to help you relax, and something to help prevent coughing. • After local anesthetic is sprayed on the back of your throat, the bronchoscope is placed through your nose or mouth. Although it may feel like you can’t breathe, your airways are not blocked and you will be able to breathe. If you need oxygen, it can be supplied through the bronchoscope. • You will not be able to talk; however, you can use hand signals to communicate. • You may experience some coughing, gagging, or medicinal taste at first, but these will subside. • When the procedure is completed, you will rest until the sedation wears off. • Afterwards, you may have a temporary sore throat. Afterwards • Don’t eat or drink until numbness wears of
