Brochoscopy or Laryngoscopy, Caring for your Child after HF#5484



What Is a Laryngoscopy or Bronchoscopy?

 

A laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy is an exam of the inside of the throat or air passages that lead to the lungs.  A viewing tube (scope) with a light on the end is passed through the mouth and down the throat.  In some cases, a biopsy may be taken or tissue may be removed from the throat or airway.

 

What to Expect

 

• It is normal to cough up a small amount of blood.  This is from the “scope” irritating the airway.
• Give acetaminophen (Tylenol®)or ibuphren for pain relief or fever if needed.  Follow the directions on the bottle.
• Your child can take part in his normal routine once he has recovered from the anesthesia.
• Your child may feel sick to his stomach from the anesthesia.  Start with clear liquids and advance to solid food as his stomach can handle it.  If your child has nausea or vomiting, start over with clear liquids.
• Keep your child away from second-hand smoke since this is irritating to breathe.
• Your child may have a hoarse voice.  This should improve slowly and be back to normal in a few days.

 

When to Call the Doctor or Nurse

 

If your child has:

• Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing or extra-noisy breathing, take him to the nearest emergency room to be checked and call your doctor.
• Any bleeding after the day of surgery.
• Nausea or vomiting that lasts for more than 24 hours.
• A fever over 102° F (when taken by mouth).
• Pain not controlled by Tylenol® or ibuprofen.
• Discomfort with swallowing for more than 24 hours.

 

 

Phone Numbers

 

Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT) Clinic (608) 265-7760 weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

 

After hours and weekends, this number will give you the paging operator.  Ask for the Otolaryngology (ENT) doctor on call.  Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If outside of Madison, call toll-free at:1-800-323-8942.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 05/20/2013

Copyright © 05/20/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5484

Print Health Fact For You