Text Size :
Read section:
What is a Bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a visual examination of the air passages leading to the lungs. It is a procedure often performed under local anaesthesia and used to evaluate symptoms such as coughing of blood, wheezing or abnormal breathing. The procedure is also sometimes done to determine the cause of an abnormal chest X-ray.
How a Bronchoscopy Procedure Works
During the procedure, a bronchoscope, a flexible scope, is inserted through your nose and down your throat until it reaches the airways in your lungs. Brushes or needles may be attached to the tip of the bronchoscope to collect tissue samples from your airways. These samples will help your doctor to diagnose your lung conditions.
To ensure that you are relaxed during the bronchoscopy procedure, the doctor will likely apply an anaesthetic agent into your nose and the back of your throat. A light intravenous sedative may also be given to help you relax.
Contributed By
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Related Content
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs usually caused by a bacteria or viral infection.
Bromhexine
Bromhexine is used to thin and loosen mucus or phlegm in the airways. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.
Q&A: Help! My Baby Is Coughing and Wheezing!
Mums and dads need to be careful if your baby's coughing and wheezing.
Haze Subsidy Scheme
When the haze descends on Singapore, the Ministry of Health may activate the Haze Subsidy Scheme, which will then be available at all polyclinics and Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPC). Here are some questions you may be asking about it.