What To Expect After Bronchoscopy
After bronchoscopy, you'll need to stay at the
clinic or hospital for up to a few hours. If your doctor uses a bronchoscope
with a rigid tube, there's a longer recovery time. While you're at the hospital
or clinic:
- You may have a chest x ray if your
doctor took a sample of tissue from your lung. This test will check for a
pneumothorax
and bleeding. A pneumothorax is a condition in which air or gas collects in the
space around the lungs. This can cause the lung(s) to collapse. The condition
is easily treated.
- A health care provider will check your breathing
and blood pressure.
- You can't eat or drink until the numbness in your
throat wears off. This takes 1 to 2 hours.
After recovery, you'll need to have someone take you
home. You'll be too sleepy to drive.
If samples of tissue or fluid were taken during the
procedure, they'll be tested in a lab. Ask your doctor when you'll receive the
lab results.
Recovery and Recuperation
Ask your doctor when you can return to your normal
activities, such as driving, working, and physical activity. For the first few
days, you may have a sore throat, cough, and hoarseness. Call your doctor right
away if you:
- Develop a fever
- Have chest pain
- Have trouble breathing
- Cough up more than a few tablespoons of blood
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