Bronchoscopy: What to Expect at Home

Do not eat anything for 2 hours after the procedure.

Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.

Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.

Ask your doctor when you can drive again.

You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

If it is painful to swallow, start out with cold drinks, flavored ice pops, and ice cream. Next, try soft foods like pudding, yogurt, canned or cooked fruit, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Avoid eating hard or scratchy foods like chips or raw vegetables. Avoid orange or tomato juice and other acidic foods that can sting the throat.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated (unless your doctor tells you not to).

Take pain medicines exactly as directed.

• If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.

• If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.

If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:

• Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).

• Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.

If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

You passed out (lost consciousness).

You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.

You cough up large amounts of bright red blood.

You have severe pain in your chest.

You have severe trouble breathing.

You cough up more than a few tablespoons of blood.

You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.

You have a fever over 100°F.

You still sound hoarse after a few days.

You have bubbles under the skin around the collarbone. These may crackle and pop when you press on them.