What is a bronchoscopy test and why is it needed for breathlessness?

Dear Sajid khan ji

If your doctor has advised a bronchoscopy and you are currently experiencing breathlessness, you should not delay medical evaluation. The breathlessness may be related to the lung condition for which the bronchoscopy was advised, but the exact cause needs to be assessed by a respiratory/chest specialist.

A bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible camera is passed through the nose or mouth into the windpipe and airways. It allows the doctor to directly examine the airways and, when necessary, collect fluid or tissue samples for testing.

Why Is Bronchoscopy Advised?

Doctors may recommend bronchoscopy to investigate conditions such as :

• Persistent cough or breathlessness

• Abnormal findings on chest X-ray or CT scan

• Lung infection

• Unexplained bleeding from the lungs

• Suspected lung tumour or cancer

• Airway blockage

• Certain long-term lung diseases

During the procedure, the doctor may take a biopsy or lung-fluid sample to identify infection, inflammation, abnormal cells or other lung problems.

What Should You Do About Breathlessness Now?

Because you are currently breathless :

• Contact the doctor who advised the bronchoscopy and inform them about the current breathlessness.

• Have your oxygen saturation checked if a pulse oximeter is available.

• Take your prescribed inhalers, nebulisation or other medicines exactly as advised.

• Avoid smoking and exposure to dust or smoke.

• Do not start antibiotics or steroids without medical advice.

• Do not postpone evaluation if the breathing difficulty is increasing.

The doctor decide whether the bronchoscopy should proceed immediately or whether your breathing condition needs to be stabilised first.

When Is Breathlessness an Emergency?

Go to the nearest emergency department immediately if you have severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, very low oxygen saturation, chest pain, bluish lips, confusion, fainting, or difficulty speaking because of breathlessness.

Severe breathing problems can require urgent treatment and should not be managed at home while waiting for a planned test.

What Precautions Are Needed Before Bronchoscopy?

Before the procedure, tell your doctor about :

• Any breathing or heart disease

• Diabetes

• Kidney or liver disease

• Allergies

• All medicines you take

• Blood-thinning medicines such as anticoagulants or antiplatelets

• Previous reactions to anaesthesia or sedation

The hospital will provide specific instructions about fasting and medicines before the procedure. Some patients require medication adjustments, particularly those taking blood thinners.

Is Bronchoscopy Safe?

Bronchoscopy is generally considered a safe procedure, but complications can occur. Temporary cough, sore throat, hoarseness and small amounts of blood in the sputum can occur, particularly when a biopsy is taken. Rare complications include bleeding, infection, low oxygen levels and lung collapse.

How HexaHealth Can Help

HexaHealth is not a hospital. We can help you connect with suitable pulmonologists/chest specialists and partner hospitals for consultation, bronchoscopy, investigations and treatment coordination.

If you share your city,oxygen saturation (SpO₂), age, and the reason your doctor recommended the test, we can guide you about the appropriate next step.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth