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Stay On Top of Lung Health With a Diagnostic Bronchoscopy in Naples, FL

Lung X-rays and CT scans provide a wealth of information, but sometimes your doctor may need more. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough or respiratory infection or a previous X-ray, CT scan or PET scan has shown something concerning in your lungs, our team of specialists may recommend undergoing a procedure called a diagnostic bronchoscopy. Identifying a serious lung problem early can make it much easier to effectively treat it. At Meliora Healthcare, we are here to ensure that you receive the attention you need.

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What Is a Diagnostic Bronchoscopy?

A diagnostic bronchoscopy is a medical procedure performed to diagnose health conditions affecting the vocal cords, airways, and lungs. A thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is equipped with a light and tiny camera and carries pictures back to a video monitor. It is inserted through the mouth or nose, down the windpipe, and allows the doctor to closely examine the bronchial tubes and the lungs. The bronchoscope can also be used to take fluid and tissue samples from the lungs when needed, which can then be tested in a lab. Bronchoscopy can be used to:

  • Diagnose upper airway or lung disease
  • Diagnose causes of shortness of breath or a chronic cough
  • Identify a lung infection
  • Check for lung cancer and lung damage
  • Evaluate and treat airway blockages
  • Remove mucous or foreign bodies

Who Needs a Diagnostic Bronchoscopy?

There are a number of reasons that our pulmonologists may consider a bronchoscopy an appropriate course of action in your care. When you meet with one of our respected experts, they’ll help decide if a bronchoscopy is right for you. Some of the indications for a diagnostic bronchoscopy include:

  • Vocal cord dysfunction
  • Airway strictures or collapse
  • Airway obstruction by tumor, foreign body or mucous
  • Coughing up blood
  • Lung mass or nodules
  • Inflammation and infection such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and fungal or parasitic disease
  • Unexplained shortness of breath or chronic cough
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What Should I Expect?

  • If you are having a bronchoscopy, you will be told not to eat after midnight the night before (or about 8 hours before) the procedure.
  • You will receive instructions about taking your regular medicines, not smoking, and removing any dentures before the procedure. Be sure to ask about stopping any medications that thin the blood or prevent clotting.
  • Right before the procedure, you may be given a medicine to numb your nose and throat to make it more comfortable and help prevent coughing and gagging during the procedure. After that, you may be given a sedative in your vein to help you relax and may make you sleepy.  
  • You will probably be lying down with the head of the bed tilted up slightly. Your heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure will be monitored very closely during the procedure. The bronchoscope will be placed through your nose or mouth, then advanced slowly down the back of the throat, through the vocal cords, and into the airways. If a person has a breathing tube in place, the bronchoscope is passed through this tube. 

What Happens After the Procedure?

  • Patients vary in how long it takes to wake up from sedation. You will need to stay in a recovery area until the sedative has worn off, and you will also need to wait until the numbing medicine wears off before eating or drinking any liquids.
  • You will need to have someone else drive you home after the procedure.
  • It is unlikely that you will experience any problems after the test other than a mild sore throat, hoarseness, cough, or muscle aches. You may also have a low-grade fever for a day.
  • You may resume your regular activities after the sedation wears off, however, you should avoid strenuous activities on the day of the procedure.
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Why Choose Meliora Healthcare for Your Diagnostic Bronchoscopy in Naples?

When your diagnostic bronchoscopy is administered at Meliora Healthcare, you’ll be under the expert care of our highly respected, award-winning pulmonologists. At Meliora Healthcare, we believe strongly in providing every patient with high-quality, compassionate care that is custom-tailored to their unique needs. By explaining medical concepts and options in a clear, understandable manner, we enable our patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions. If you’d like to learn more or schedule your initial appointment, simply contact our office today.

Diagnostic Bronchoscopy FAQ

Are there alternatives to a bronchoscopy?

How long does a diagnostic bronchoscopy take?

How long will it take to get my results?

Is a diagnostic bronchoscopy safe?

Are there alternatives to a bronchoscopy?

Other tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET scans can give some information about the lungs, but bronchoscopy allows the doctors to look at the inside of the lungs, obtain very specific samples, and remove blockages if needed.

How long does a diagnostic bronchoscopy take?

The length of the procedure varies depending on what needs to be done and why you need it. Typically, it can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

How long will it take to get my results?

Some results will be available immediately after the procedure. Biopsies can take anywhere from 5-7 days and cultures can take anywhere from 72 hours to 6 weeks to finalize.

Is a diagnostic bronchoscopy safe?

Diagnostic Bronchoscopy is a safe procedure. Serious risks from the procedure, such as an air leak or major bleeding, are uncommon and occur in less than 5% of patients. Your doctor will discuss the risks of the procedure with you in more detail at your visit.

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