Bronchoscopy

Last reviewed:

Medically reviewed by
Dr Archit Chawla
Respiratory & Sleep Physician
MBBS, FRACP
Last medically reviewed: March 2026

What is a bronchoscopy?

If you’ve had ongoing breathing symptoms or something unexpected has appeared on a chest scan, a bronchoscopy can help your specialist take a closer look at your airways.

This procedure uses a small flexible camera to examine your lungs from the inside. It can also allow your specialist to collect samples if they need more information about what’s causing a change.

What can a bronchoscopy show?

Looking directly inside the airways can give your specialist information that may not be clear from a scan alone.

A bronchoscopy may help identify:

• Areas of inflammation or infection
• Narrowing or a blockage in an airway
• The cause of bleeding from the lungs
• Unusual tissue or growths
• Changes that need further testing

It can also help investigate lung nodules and lung cancer if something has been found on an X-ray or CT scan. Most lung nodules aren’t cancerous, but some need further investigation to understand what they are.

Why might I need a bronchoscopy?

Your respiratory specialist may recommend a bronchoscopy if you have a persistent cough, unexplained shortness of breath or have been coughing up blood.

You may also need one after an abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan. For example, your specialist might want to investigate a lung nodule, an area of inflammation or another change seen on your images.

Bronchoscopy can sometimes be used as part of treatment too, such as removing mucus or an object that’s blocking an airway.

Your specialist will explain what they’re looking for and why bronchoscopy may be helpful in your situation.

Preparing for a bronchoscopy

You’ll receive instructions before your appointment explaining how to prepare. You’ll usually need to stop eating and drinking for several hours beforehand.

Tell your healthcare team about any medicines you take. This is particularly important if you use blood-thinning medicines or medicines for diabetes. Don’t stop prescribed medication unless your doctor has told you to.

You should also let your team know about any allergies or previous reactions to anaesthetic or sedation.

As you’ll usually receive sedation, you’ll need to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards. Your team will let you know if there are any other restrictions you need to follow.

What happens during a bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is usually carried out as a day procedure in hospital.

Before it begins, local anaesthetic may be sprayed into your nose or throat to numb the area. You’ll usually be given sedation to help you feel relaxed and drowsy. A general anaesthetic may be used for some types of bronchoscopy.

Once you’re comfortable, your specialist will gently guide the bronchoscope through your mouth or nose and down into your airways. You’ll still be able to breathe while the tube is in place.

Your specialist will examine the airways and may collect small samples of tissue or fluid if needed. Some procedures also use ultrasound or X-ray imaging to guide where samples are taken.

Your oxygen level, heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored throughout.

Recovering from a bronchoscopy

Afterwards, you’ll stay in a recovery area while the sedation wears off. Your throat may feel numb or sore, and you may have a cough or hoarse voice for a short time.

Wait until the numbness in your throat has completely worn off before eating or drinking. Your healthcare team will tell you when it’s safe to start.

If a biopsy was taken, you may notice a small amount of blood in your phlegm (sputum). Your team will explain what to expect and when you should seek medical help.

Because sedation can affect your reactions and judgement, follow the instructions you’re given about driving, work and other activities after your procedure.

Your specialist may be able to discuss some findings straight away. Results from biopsies or other samples will take longer because they need to be analysed in a laboratory.

Risks of a bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is generally considered a safe procedure, although complications can occur.

Possible risks include bleeding, infection or breathing difficulties. There can also be a reaction to sedation or anaesthetic.

If a biopsy is taken from the lung, there’s a small risk of a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), where air collects between the lung and chest wall.

Your specialist will discuss the risks that apply to your procedure before you decide to go ahead.

Book a private bronchoscopy with Complete Health Australia

If you need further investigation for breathing symptoms or a change found on a chest scan, our respiratory specialists can talk you through your next steps.

Our respiratory and sleep medicine team provides specialist assessment for lung and airway conditions, with bronchoscopy available when it’s an appropriate part of your investigation.