Diagnostic
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy lets your physician look directly inside your airways using a thin,
flexible scope with a camera.
What is Bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy lets your physician look directly inside your airways using a thin, flexible scope with a camera. It’s done with sedation for your comfort and gives answers that scans alone can’t — and allows samples to be taken when needed.
Why is it done?
We recommend bronchoscopy to investigate findings that need a closer look. It helps evaluate:
What it can find
Abnormal spots seen on imaging
Persistent cough or coughing up blood
Recurrent infections
Tissue samples for diagnosis
Ready to Schedule, or Have Questions First?
Who is a candidate?
An unexplained finding on a CT scan
Coughing up blood
A persistent or worsening cough without a cause
Suspected infection or interstitial disease
How to prepare
Don’t eat or drink for several hours before (we’ll specify)
Arrange a ride home, since you’ll be sedated
Tell us about blood thinners and all medications
Plan to rest for the remainder of the day
What to expect
01
Sedation
You receive medication to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout.
02
The scope
A thin scope passes through your nose or mouth into the airways; it takes only minutes.
03
Samples if needed
Tiny samples or washings may be collected painlessly.
04
Recovery
You rest as the sedation wears off, then head home with your chaperone.
Results & next steps
Findings and any biopsy results are reviewed with you as soon as they’re available, with clear next steps and coordination with other specialists when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is bronchoscopy painful?
No. With sedation and numbing, most people remember little of it and have only a mild sore throat afterward.
How long does it take?
The procedure itself is usually 20–45 minutes; plan for a few hours total with prep and recovery.