If you are coming to have a Bronchoscopy performed
You should fast from midnight before the procedure. If there are essential medications that you need to take in the morning – you should check with your doctor whether you can omit them on the morning of the bronchoscopy.
You will be written to with a specific time to present yourself to the Endoscopy suite, Floor 2, Tallaght University Hospital. As Bronchoscopy lists generally are full, please ensure that you arrive on time.
A nurse will welcome you and bring you to your cubicle. The nurse and doctor will ask you a few questions. The doctor will explain about the test and answer any questions you may have. You will then be asked to sign a consent or permission form for the procedure. Blood tests may be taken before the procedure and the doctor will insert a cannula in your arm to allow a relaxant medication to be given to you just before the procedure.
At the appropriate time you will be wheeled down to the bronchoscopy room. A nurse will welcome you and introduce you to other nurses and doctors in the room. You will be prepared for the test and this will include:
• putting a blood pressure cuff on your arm,
• a rubber ring on your finger which measures your oxygen in your blood
• nasal cannula under your nose which gives you oxygen
• mouth guard to protect your gums or teeth
You will then be given a sedative through the cannula in your arm. This will put you into a light sleep.
The bronchoscopy will take 15 minutes for a standard procedure, to up to 40 minutes if additional biopsies are required.
After the procedure, you will be brought back to your cubicle. You will sleep for a while and nurses will check that you have fully recovered and are ready for home.
It is most important that a friend or relative drives you home as you will have a sedative in your system and you would not be able to drive home yourself.
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable lung condition caused mainly by smoking. It is used as a collective term for both bronchitis and emphysema. The main symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath, coughing, clearing sputum and wheeziness. Some people may also have symptoms of asthma along with their COPD and this is known as Asthma COPD overlap syndrome, which can often be referred to as ACOS.
The key to managing your COPD is knowing your symptoms and what to do when you have a flare up. Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your lungs. It is also important to know your inhalers and medications, to maintain a reasonable level of activity and have a healthy diet. This short educational video provides you with the necessary information to help manage your COPD.
Additional links to learn more about COPD, please link in with your doctor for any further clarifications or concerns.
Inhaler Technique https://www.asthma.ie/about-asthma/resources/inhaler-technique-videos
Management of breathlessness (Pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?edufilter=NULL&v=WfF23do1Roo
http://copd.ie/living-with-copd/breathe-easier/pursed-lip-breathing/
Chest clearance technique: Active Cycle Breathing Technique
http://copd.ie/living-with-copd/breathe-easier/active-cycle-of-breathing-techniques-actb/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?edufilter=NULL&v=sawZdkp7QtQ
Exercises https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/keep-active/exercise-video
Smoking Cessation www.quit.ie
COPD Information www.copd.ie
