Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that lets doctors look directly into your airways and lungs using a thin, flexible tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope. It’s used to find causes of respiratory problems, take small tissue or fluid samples, or, in some cases, to help treat airway issues.
What is a bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows examination of your airways and lungs. It uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, that’s introduced through your mouth or nose and guided down your windpipe into the lungs.
A bronchoscopy allows specialists to visualise the interior surfaces of your trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tubes with high detail. Depending on your condition, suction, biopsy (tissue sampling), or lavage (washing a small area) can be done during the same procedure.
Bronchoscopy may be recommended to:
investigate a persistent cough, haemoptysis (coughing up blood), or unexplained breathlessness
examine abnormalities seen on a chest scan
obtain samples of tissue or fluid for laboratory testing
remove blockages, mucus, foreign objects or secretions
place stents or manage bleeding in complex airway cases
Using bronchoscopy helps refine your diagnosis and guide treatment decisions with direct visual evidence.
At Welbeck, bronchoscopy is performed in our state-of-the-art Lung Health centre by experienced bronchoscopists. We use modern, flexible bronchoscopes with high-definition imaging and tailor sedation and monitoring for each patient to ensure comfort and safety throughout. Our centre is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options, allowing us to detect even subtle changes in lung health and deliver accurate diagnoses, personalised care, and better long-term outcomes for your respiratory wellbeing.
More information
Before your test, your bronchoscopist will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Your bronchoscopy will be carried out in our Lung Health centre and typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
For the bronchoscopy, you’ll sit on a procedure couch, with the backrest reclined, and a mouthpiece will be placed between your teeth. You’ll be given a sedative to relax you and make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
During the test:
you’ll be given a local anaesthetic to numb the throat
your consultant will pass the bronchoscope through your nose or mouth, and into your airways
your specialist will view real-time images on a screen and may perform sampling (biopsy), lavage (washing) or suction, if needed
your vital signs will be monitored during the procedure
once the procedure is finished, the bronchoscope will be gently removed
Some discomfort is usual during a bronchoscopy, but the procedure shouldn’t be painful. Sedation and numbing of your nose and throat will alleviate the discomfort; however, you may still feel a gagging sensation. Our team is there to ensure your comfort and safety, and is ready to respond to any changes.
After your bronchoscopy, you’ll be able to relax in private, comfortable surroundings until the effects of the sedative have worn off. You’ll need someone to collect you after the procedure, and you won’t be able to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.
Your consultant may be able to share some of the findings of your bronchoscopy with you before you go home, but if any samples were taken, they’ll let you know when to expect results and arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss any next steps.
A bronchoscopy is generally a safe procedure, especially when done by an experienced specialist.
Uncommon risks include:
minor bleeding (especially from biopsy sites)
infection
a temporary drop in oxygen levels
airway irritation or bronchospasm (narrowing)
In very rare cases, a bronchoscopy can cause a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which is a serious side effect that needs urgent treatment.
You may also feel some side effects related to the sedation, such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or vomiting, but these should pass quickly.
Your consultant will carefully explain how to prepare for your bronchoscopy. They’ll ask you about any health conditions you have and your current medications.
Preparation may include:
not eating or drinking for 4 to 8 hours before the test
stopping certain medications, especially blood thinners, several days before the test
After your procedure, our team will monitor you until the sedation has worn off and your breathing is stable. You may feel throat numbness or hoarseness for a few hours after the procedure, and you shouldn’t eat or drink until the throat numbness has gone away.
Following sedation, you won’t be able to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.
A mild cough, sputum with slight blood tinges, or throat soreness are all common for 1 to 2 days after the procedure.
Pricing for private bronchoscopy at Welbeck starts from £3,095.
At Welbeck, our respiratory consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book a bronchoscopy, you must be referred by either your GP or a respiratory consultant following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck respiratory consultant, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Our specialists
Dr Sarah ElkinRespiratory Consultant
Dr Dean CreerRespiratory Consultant
Dr Shalin DiwanjiConsultant Respiratory Physician
Dr Vasileios KouranosConsultant Respiratory Physician
Dr Dipak MukherjeeRespiratory Consultant
Dr Justin GarnerRespiratory Physician
Dr Susannah BlochRespiratory Consultant
Dr Reza AbdullahConsultant Respiratory Physician
Dr Owais KadwaniRespiratory Consultant
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Frequently asked questions
Bronchoscopy might not be suitable for people with very low oxygen levels, severe bleeding risk, unstable heart or blood pressure conditions, or severe airway obstruction. Each case is assessed individually, and our specialists at Welbeck ensure the benefits outweigh the risks before proceeding.
In some cases, your consultant may suggest other tests that can provide useful information without needing to look directly into your airways. These might include a CT scan or chest X-ray to create detailed images of your lungs, or sputum testing to analyse mucus for infection or inflammation. Lung function tests can also help assess how well your lungs are working. However, these alternatives cannot always give the same level of detail as bronchoscopy, and don’t allow tissue or fluid samples to be collected. At Welbeck, your specialist will discuss every available option and help you choose the safest and most effective approach for your diagnosis and care.
Your voice may feel slightly hoarse or your throat may feel sore for a short time after bronchoscopy. This happens because the bronchoscope passes close to your vocal cords, but it usually improves within a day or 2. Speaking gently and keeping hydrated can help soothe your throat. If hoarseness or discomfort lasts longer than 48 hours, contact your care team for advice. At Welbeck, we’ll check that your recovery is progressing as expected and support you if any symptoms persist.
It’s normal to see a small amount of blood in your sputum after a bronchoscopy, especially if a biopsy was taken. This usually settles within 24 hours. However, if you cough up more than a few teaspoons of blood, feel short of breath, or develop chest pain, you should seek medical attention straight away. Our team will give you clear instructions on what to watch for before you leave.