Bronchoscopy

Getting Ready For Bronchoscopy

Before the bronchoscopy (usually a day or two before), the doctor will usually test your blood and urine. You may also need to have a chest x-ray or CT scan. A CT scan is a painless, sophisticated x-ray procedure that uses a computer to provide images of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels.

Tell your doctor:

  • If you are allergic to any medicines, especially anesthetics such as lidocaine.
  • What medicines you take, especially CoumadinTM or daily aspirin. He or she may want to adjust the amount or timing of your medication the day of the bronchoscopy.
  • If you have insulin-dependent diabetes.
  • Whether you have ever had problems with bleeding or blood clots.

Before the procedure:

  • For a week before the procedure, do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil), or CoumadinTM. These medications thin the blood and can cause bleeding problems during the procedure.
  • Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. You can take medicine that has been approved by your doctor with a small sip of water. Take the medicine at the time your doctor suggests.
  • Get special instructions from the doctor if you have diabetes.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the bronchoscopy, because you may be drowsy.

Preparing Your Child For Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is very safe in children. It’s usually done under general anesthesia, but your child can go home the same day.

How To Information

If your child’s doctor recommends bronchoscopy, here are some things you can do to help him or her feel comfortable:

  • Tell your child what will happen. Explain that he will get some medicine to help him sleep. While he’s asleep, the doctor will look inside his throat. Reassure him that you’ll be there when he wakes up.
  • Don’t let your child eat or drink anything the morning of the procedure. If it’s scheduled for afternoon, make sure she doesn’t eat anything for at least four hours beforehand.
  • Take that favorite stuffed animal or blanket to help the child feel safe.

After you’re home:

  • Keep your child quiet for the rest of the day with books, puzzles, and quiet games.
  • If the child has a slight fever, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol or Panadol). Do not give aspirin to children because of the risk of a rare but serious problem called Reye’s syndrome.
  • Some children are queasy after waking up from anesthesia. Soda and saltine crackers may help. Regular meals are fine if your child is hungry.
  • Call the doctor if your child has a fever higher than 102 degrees F (38.9 C), difficulty breathing, chest pain, repeated vomiting, or if he or she coughs up more than a teaspoon of blood.

 

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