Key Points

• Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to look inside the lungs' airways.
• During this procedure, your doctor inserts a bronchoscope (a thin, flexible tube) through your nose or mouth, down your throat, and into your airways. The bronchoscope has a light and small camera that allow your doctor see your windpipe and airways and take pictures.
• This procedure usually is done to find the cause of a lung condition, such as a tumor. Sometimes it's done to treat a lung problem.
• Your doctor may decide to do a bronchoscopy if you have an abnormal chest x ray or chest computed tomography (CT) scan. This is the most common reason for bronchoscopy. Chest x rays and CT scans can show a tumor, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or signs of an infection.
• Bronchoscopy also can be done to remove something stuck in the airway or to place medicine in the lung to treat a lung problem. The procedure also can be used to check for swelling in the upper airways and vocal cords of people who were burned around the throat area or who inhaled smoke from a fire.
• In children, bronchoscopy is used to remove something blocking the airway. In some cases, it's used to find out what's causing a cough that has lasted for at least a few weeks.
• Bronchoscopy is done in a special clinic or hospital. Your doctor will give you medicine to numb your nose and throat and make you sleepy and relaxed. Then, he or she will insert the bronchoscope and look at your lungs. Your doctor may take a sample of lung fluid or tissue for further testing, or he or she may insert a stent (small tube) to hold the airway open.
• If there's a lot of bleeding in your lungs or a large object stuck in your throat, your doctor may use a bronchoscope with a rigid tube. A rigid bronchoscopy usually is done in a hospital operating room using general anesthesia. The term "anesthesia" refers to a loss of feeling and awareness. General anesthesia temporarily puts you to sleep.
• The bronchoscopy itself usually takes about 30 minutes. But the entire procedure, including preparation and recovery time, takes about 4 hours.
• For a few days after the procedure, you may be hoarse and have a sore throat. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or if you cough up more than a few tablespoons of blood.
• Bronchoscopy can show a tumor, signs of an infection, excess mucus in the airways, the site of bleeding, or something blocking the airway (like a piece of food).
• Bronchoscopy usually is a safe procedure. However, there's a small risk for problems. These problems may include a drop in your oxygen level during the procedure, minor bleeding, or developing a fever or pneumonia.
• A more serious risk is a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung. In this condition, air collects in the space around the lungs. This can cause one or both lungs to collapse. Usually, this condition is easily treated.