The instructions below are for an out-patient bronchoscopy.
- Prior to the bronchoscopy do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 to 12 hours before the exam. Food can cause nausea and vomiting during the procedure. If you have diabetes, verify with the physician what you may have before the exam and any changs in your medication regimen.
- No smoking for 12 to 24 hours prior to the exam.
- No alcohol for 12 to 24 hours prior to the exam.
- Avoid any aspirin, ibuprofen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for 24 hours. If you are on blood thining medications, these may have to be stopped prior to the procedure. Your physician will advise you for how long and when it will be safe to restart these medications.
- If you wear glasses, dentures or partials, you will be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
- You may take your regularly scheduled medications unless directed otherwise.
- Due to the medication you will be given during the procedure, you will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home.
After the procedure you should rest the remainder of the day. You may feel tired for a day or two after the procedure and this is normal. The numbing medication may leave a bitter task in your mouth and throat, and may also give you a sensation of swelling on your tongue. This should not last more than a few hours.
You may experience a sore throat or hoarseness, but should resolve after a few days. Gargling with warm salt water and sore throat lozenges may help soothe your sore throat. You may cough up a small amount of blood after the procedure, this is normal. However if these conditions last longer than 24-36 hours please consult your physician.
Call your doctor immediately or seek evaluation in an emergency room if you have severe shortness of breath or chest pain, cough up more than 2 tablespoons of blood, have a fever higher than 100.4 for more than 24 hours, or have bleeding from your nose or throat.