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Bronchoscopy in Hosur
A bronchoscopy is an advanced procedure that allows your doctor to examine the airways and, in some cases, the lungs using a thin tube called a bronchoscope. The bronchoscope has a small camera at its tip, allowing the doctor to view the inside of the airways in real time and diagnose or treat various lung conditions.
At Arokyam Lungs Care Centre, Dr. Arjun Anandh – Pulmonologist in Hosur, performs Flexible Bronchoscopy for the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, helping patients receive accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
What is bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is an Airway Examination Procedure performed using a special instrument called a bronchoscope. The bronchoscope is a thin tube with a camera on its end that is inserted through the mouth or nose to examine the airways and lungs.
There are two main types of bronchoscopes:
(1) Flexible Bronchoscopy
A flexible tube that bends easily and is the most commonly used type.
(2) Rigid Bronchoscopy
A stiffer tube used for specific medical conditions and procedures.
Bronchoscopy allows the pulmonologist to directly visualize the airways, identify abnormalities, collect samples, and perform certain treatments when required.
Why is bronchoscopy performed?
Your doctor may recommend a lung bronchoscopy for several reasons, including:
- To check for lung infections.
- To diagnose lung diseases or identify blocked airways.
- To perform a biopsy by collecting a small tissue sample for laboratory examination.
- To collect mucus or fluid samples for testing.
- To determine the cause of symptoms such as: persistent cough lasting more than 8 weeks, coughing up blood, wheezing or hoarseness
- To remove a foreign object accidentally inhaled, such as food or gum.
- To examine the airways after a lung transplant.
Bronchoscopy plays an important role in lung disease diagnosis, especially when imaging tests alone cannot provide a definite diagnosis.
Who may need a bronchoscopy?
Your doctor may advise bronchoscopy if you have:
- Persistent cough
- Unexplained coughing up of blood (Hemoptysis)
- Abnormal findings on a chest X-ray or CT scan
- Persistent wheezing
- Suspected airway blockage
- Recurrent lung infections
- Lung masses or suspicious lesions requiring biopsy
- A suspected foreign body in the airway
Early bronchoscopy helps diagnose respiratory conditions accurately and guides appropriate treatment.
Looking for Bronchoscopy center in Hosur? Contact us!
How do I prepare for a bronchoscopy?
Your doctor will explain whether you need any special preparation before the procedure. Before bronchoscopy, your doctor will review your medical history, including:
- Previous medical conditions
- Past surgeries
- Current medications, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements
- Any allergies
- Any bleeding disorders or medications that increase bleeding risk
You may also need certain investigations before the procedure, including:
- Chest X-ray or CT scan
- Laboratory tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Your doctor will also explain:
- When to stop eating and drinking before the procedure (fasting instructions)
- The need for someone to accompany you home after the procedure
- Recovery instructions after discharge
Always ask your healthcare team if you have any questions or concerns before the procedure.
What happens during bronchoscopy?
On the day of the procedure:
- An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted to administer fluids and medications.
- You will receive anesthesia depending on your condition and the type of bronchoscopy.
This may include:
- Local anesthesia to numb the throat or nose.
- Sedation to help you relax and reduce awareness of the procedure.
- General anesthesia in selected cases, where you remain completely asleep during the procedure.
Throughout the bronchoscopy, your healthcare team continuously monitors:
- Breathing
- Blood pressure
- Oxygen levels
- Heart rate
The bronchoscope is gently inserted through your nose or mouth, and the camera transmits live images to a monitor. If required, your doctor may:
- Collect tissue samples (biopsy)
- Obtain mucus or fluid samples for laboratory testing
- Use ultrasound guidance to obtain accurate biopsy samples
- Open narrowed airways using a balloon
- Insert a stent to keep the airway open
These additional procedures can often be completed during the same bronchoscopy.
Recovery after bronchoscopy
After the procedure, you will be closely monitored while the effects of anesthesia wear off. During recovery:
- You may feel sleepy, groggy, or mildly confused for a short time.
- Some people experience nausea or vomiting, which can usually be treated with medication.
- Healthcare staff will help you get out of bed once you are ready.
- Your swallowing reflex (gag reflex) may take a few hours to return.
- You will usually begin with clear liquids before progressing to bland foods as tolerated.
- You may experience a mild sore throat or nose for a day or two.
- If a biopsy was performed, you may cough up a small amount of blood.
- Your doctor may request a chest X-ray after the procedure.
Depending on your bronchoscopy findings and laboratory results, additional tests or treatments may be recommended.
What are the risks of bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is generally a safe procedure, but like all medical procedures, it carries some risks. Possible complications include:
- Bleeding
- Damage to the lungs or airways
- Temporary fever
- Low blood pressure or fainting caused by sedative medicines
- Temporary abnormal heart rhythm
- Low oxygen levels or breathing difficulty during the procedure
If breathing problems occur, the healthcare team can provide additional oxygen or stop the procedure if necessary. Most complications occur during the procedure or within the first day after returning home.
When should you contact your doctor?
- Sudden difficulty breathing
- Coughing up a large amount of blood
- Chest pain or chest tightness
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Chills
- Severe sore throat
- Persistent cough
- Increased sputum production or change in sputum color
- Shortness of breath
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- New or worsening wheezing
Prompt medical evaluation helps identify and manage complications early.
Why choose Arokyam Lungs Care Centre for Bronchoscopy in Hosur?
At Arokyam Lungs Care Centre, Dr. Arjun Anandh – Pulmonologist in Hosur provides advanced bronchoscopic evaluation using modern techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases.
As a bronchoscopy specialist in Hosur, Dr. Arjun Anandh offers comprehensive respiratory care with a focus on patient comfort, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment.
Whether you require diagnostic bronchoscopy, airway evaluation, or biopsy, our goal is to deliver safe, personalized care for every patient.
Schedule your bronchoscopy consultation
If you have persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained breathing problems, or abnormal chest imaging, a bronchoscopy can help identify the underlying cause.
Consult Dr. Arjun Anandh – Pulmonologist in Hosur at Arokyam Lungs Care Centre for expert airway evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and advanced respiratory care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin camera-equipped tube to examine the airways and lungs for diagnosis and treatment.
Is bronchoscopy painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, so most patients experience little or no pain.
Why would I need a bronchoscopy?
Your doctor may recommend bronchoscopy to diagnose lung infections, persistent cough, coughing up blood, airway blockages, or to perform a biopsy.
How long does a bronchoscopy take?
The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, although the total hospital stay may be longer due to preparation and recovery.
Can I go home after bronchoscopy?
Yes. Most patients can go home the same day, but you will need someone to accompany you because of the effects of sedation.
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