Bronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung
disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung
conditions. How the test is performed A bronchoscope is a device
used to see the inside of the airways and lungs. Although it can
be flexible or rigid, a flexible bronchoscope is almost always
used. The flexible bronchoscope is a tube less than 1/2 inch
wide and about 2 feet long. Rarely, a rigid bronchoscope is
used. The scope is passed through your mouth or nose, through
your windpipe (trachea), and then into your lungs. Going through
the nose is a good way to look at the upper airways. The mouth
method allows the doctor to use a larger bronchoscope. If a
flexible bronchoscope is used, you will probably be awake. The
doctor will spray a numbing drug (anesthetic) in your mouth and
throat. If the bronchoscopy is done through the nose, numbing
jelly will be placed on one nostril. Inserting the bronchoscope
will make you cough at first. The coughing will stop as the
numbing drug begins to