Bronchoscopy is a type of test used to evaluate the airways, introducing a thin, flexible tube that enters the mouth or nose and is directed toward the lungs, this tube transmits images to a screen, in which your doctor may notice if there are any changes in your airways, including your larynx and tinge.
Thus, this type of test can be used to help diagnose certain diseases, such as atypical pneumonia or a tumor, but it can also be used to treat a lung blockage, for example.
- Your pneumologist may order a bronchoscopy whenever there is suspicion of lung disease that cannot be confirmed by symptoms or other tests.
- Such as x-rays.
- So bronchoscopy may be requested when:.
In addition, people who have a persistent cough that does not go away with treatment or who do not have a specific cause may also need this type of test to identify the diagnosis and begin the most appropriate treatment.
In case of suspected cancer, the doctor performs a bronchoscopy biopsy, in which a small piece of lung mucosa is taken for laboratory analysis and to confirm the presence of cancer cells and, therefore, the result may take a few days.
Before bronchoscopy, it is usually necessary to spend 6 to 12 hours without eating or drinking, and only as little water as possible is allowed to eat pills. Blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin, should be discontinued a few days before the test. to avoid the risk of bleeding.
However, preparation instructions may vary depending on the clinic where the test will be performed and therefore it is very important to speak with your doctor in advance, explaining which medicine is usually used.
It is also important to take a friend or family member to the clinic, as in many cases mild anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort and, in these cases, driving is not allowed for the first 12 hours.
Because bronchoscopy involves inserting a tube into your airways, there are some risks, such as:
These risks are very rare and generally easy to treat; However, the test should only be done on the doctor’s recommendation.