Bronchoscopy
Alternate Names : Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy
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How will the Test Feel?
Local anesthesia is used to relax the throat muscles, so there is the feeling of fluid running down the back of the throat and the need to cough or gag until the anesthetic begins working.
Once the anesthetic takes effect, there may be sensations of pressure or mild tugging as the tube moves through the trachea. Many patients experience the feeling of suffocation when the tube is in the throat (there is no risk of suffocation). If there is coughing during the test, more anesthetic will be added.
When the anesthetic wears off, the throat may be scratchy for several days. After the test, the cough reflex will return in 1 to 2 hours, then normal eating and drinking is allowed.
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