You have had an examination of your lungs, called a Bronchoscopy. If you were given sedation, you should go home and rest the same day. After effects, if any, are usually minimal and may take the following form:

Coughing/Bleeding

The local anaesthetic spray used during the procedure may cause an irritating cough for the first few hours. If you have had a biopsy taken, you may cough up some blood or find streaks of blood in your phlegm.

If you develop severe pain and/or worsening breathlessness, please contact your GP.

Discomfort at the injection site

You may experience slight discomfort in the arm into which the sedative injection was given. A cold icepack may give some relief, however, should any swelling, tenderness or redness of the injection site become increasingly uncomfortable, please advise your GP.

If you suddenly lose a lot of fresh blood, become faint, pale and/or sweaty, you should come to the Emergency Department to be assessed. You may need to be admitted.

You may resume your normal prescription medicines.

You may resume your normal diet unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Please note, severe pain in the neck or chest, or increased breathlessness over the next 24 hours should be immediately reported to your GP.

Remember, you have had a sedative – DO NOT drive a vehicle, go to work, use machinery, drink alcohol or sign any legally binding documents for 24 hours.

Please do not have anything to eat or drink for at least two hours.

What happens next?

Following the procedure, a copy of the procedure report will be sent to your GP within the next 10-14 days.

If you urgently need to contact anyone to discuss the results and follow-up, please telephone Respiratory Secretaries through the switchboard on 01324 566000.

For more information, please contact the Endoscopy Unit
(01324 567518) Monday – Friday, 09.00 – 16.00