To accurately diagnose lung diseases, the pulmonary specialists at LungDocs offer onsite bronchoscopy procedures. Rajesh Shetty, MD, uses bronchoscopy technologies to diagnose interstitial lung disease and other chronic lung conditions. The providers also use the results of bronchoscopy to create a treatment plan to address the type of lung disease you have. Call the Kyle or New Braunfels, Texas, office to learn more about the benefits of bronchoscopy, or book an appointment online today.
Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure to evaluate your air passages and lungs.
The LungDocs providers insert a flexible tube into your mouth and down into your lungs to get a closer look at the surrounding tissue. This same-day procedure can take about 30-60 minutes to complete, and you can go home soon after.
You may need a bronchoscopy if you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of an infection, interstitial lung disease, or other lung condition. The close-up view of your lung tissue helps the LungDocs providers make an accurate diagnosis.
The providers may also perform a bronchoscopy to:
If you’re undergoing treatment for certain lung conditions, you may need a bronchoscopy to ensure your treatment is working well.
Ahead of your bronchoscopy, the LungDocs physicians prepare you for your procedure. You may need to stop taking certain medications and shouldn’t eat or drink for 4-8 hours before your appointment.
On the day of your bronchoscopy, you lie comfortably on an exam table, and sensors are placed on your body to monitor your vital signs. Your provider starts an intravenous (IV) line to deliver a sedative medication into a vein. The medication makes you feel sleepy, but you remain awake throughout your procedure.
The providers insert a bronchoscope into your mouth and guide it into your lungs. The scope contains a camera that transmits real-time images of your lungs to a monitor.
During tumor removal or a lung biopsy, the physicians pass special instruments through the bronchoscope and watch to monitor as they clear obstructions or remove tissue samples.
You can expect to spend time recovering from the sedative before you can go home. It’s common to experience throat soreness after your bronchoscopy.
You shouldn’t eat or drink until the numbness in your mouth and throat wears off to prevent liquids or food from entering your lungs. When you can eat, start with a soft diet and drink plenty of liquids.
After the LungDocs providers review your test results, they contact you to discuss any treatments you may need.
Call LungDocs to learn more about the diagnostic benefits of bronchoscopy, or book a consultation online today.