Fiberoptic tracheobronchoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to look directly at your windpipe (trachea) and the breathing tubes of your lungs (bronchi). It diagnoses airway conditions like narrowing, inflammation, scarring, tumors, or foreign bodies. This procedure is particularly helpful for patients with chronic cough, noisy breathing, difficulty breathing, or a history of airway trauma.

In the office, a thin, flexible scope with a light and camera is gently inserted through the nose and passed down the throat into the windpipe. The procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes. Numbing medication is applied to minimize discomfort, and while it can feel strange, most patients tolerate it very well. You may cough briefly during the exam, but it's not painful. There is no need for sedation; you can leave shortly after the exam. Some people experience a mild sore throat or hoarseness for a few hours. This is a very safe procedure with minimal risks. It provides crucial real-time information about your airway and is often the first step toward treatment planning or monitoring airway conditions over time.