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COVID-19 Updates: Visitor Guidelines, Vaccines & More

Safety Measures at Riley Children’s Health

We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure our spaces remain safe for patients, parents and caregivers. View safety measures, mask policy and visiting guidelines.


COVID-19 Vaccines

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone 5 and older. People younger than 18 must receive the Pfizer vaccine. To schedule an appointment, call 211 or visit ourshot.in.gov. Several COVID-19 vaccine locations also offer walk-in appointments. View full details.

Actualizaciones de COVID-19: Políticas para visitantes, vacunas y más

Medidas de seguridad en Riley Children's Health

Estamos adoptando medidas reflexivas para garantizar que nuestros espacios sigan siendo seguros para los pacientes, los padres y los cuidadores. Vea las medidas de seguridad, la política de uso de mascarillas y las directrices de visitas.

Vacunas contra la COVID-19

La vacuna contra la COVID-19 está disponible para cualquier persona mayor de 5 años. Las personas menores de 18 años deben recibir la vacuna de Pfizer. Para programar una cita, llame al 211 o visite la página ourshot.in.gov. Varios centros de vacunación contra la COVID-19 atienden sin cita previa. Vea todos los detalles.

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Riley Children's Health

Bronchoscopy

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Bronchoscopy is a common procedure that allows pediatric pulmonologists to evaluate and provide treatment for conditions affecting a child’s airways, larynx and lungs.

A bronchoscope is a thin, flexible lighted tube with a camera that is inserted through the nose. This allows doctors to directly inspect the larynx (voice box), windpipe (trachea) and large and small airways to the lungs.

Bronchoscopy is used to detect breathing problems that include:

  • Airway blockages
  • Bleeding
  • Lung infections
  • Tumors

The bronchoscope can also provide treatment options such as:

  • Delivering oxygen and medicines
  • Removing secretions
  • Biopsy (testing tissue samples)
  • Laser Therapy

Although bronchoscopy is considered a safe procedure, potential complications include:

  • Nosebleed
  • Hypoxia (low oxygen level)
  • Fever within 24 hours after procedure
  • Cough one or two days after procedure
  • Spasms in the airways or vocal cords
  • Minor upper airway swelling, hoarseness and noisy breathing

If your child is in the hospital for any reason and also requires a bronchoscopy, the procedure can be performed as part of the hospital stay. If your child is not in the hospital, he or she can receive an outpatient bronchoscopy.

What to Expect

What to Expect

Your child will receive care from a team that includes a pulmonologist, an anesthesiologist, a respiratory therapist and a nurse.

  • The bronchoscopy procedure takes 25-50 minutes.
  • Your child will be asleep during the test. Bronchoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia may also be used depending on your child's condition.
  • The pulmonologist, anesthesiologist and nurse or respiratory therapist will watch your child’s blood pressure, breathing, oxygen level and heart rate throughout the procedure.
  • Your child may drink water after the procedure, once the numbness in the throat goes away.

If your child will be undergoing an outpatient bronchoscopy test, you should arrive at least one and a half hours before the procedure.  Be sure your child does not eat or drink anything for at least four to eight hours before the test. The surgery staff will call you a few days before the test with detailed fasting instructions that are based on your child's age and diet.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Bronchoscopy is a common procedure that allows pediatric pulmonologists to evaluate and provide treatment for conditions affecting a child’s airways, larynx and lungs.
  • Bronchoscopy can be used to deliver oxygen and medicines, remove secretions, take tissue samples and perform laser therapy.
  • If your child is already in the hospital for any other reason or condition, he or she can receive a bronchoscopy as part of the hospital stay. If your child requires a bronchoscopy but is not in the hospital, he or she will receive an outpatient bronchoscopy and can usually return home the same day.
  • Anesthesia may be general or local, depending on your child’s condition.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Riley Pediatric Pulmonology & Respiratory Care

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575 Riley Hospital Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46202

317.948.7208

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Riley Pediatric Pulmonology & Respiratory Care

11725 N Illinois St
Carmel, IN 46032

317.948.7208

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Related Conditions & Departments

Related Conditions & Departments

Conditions

  • Asthma
  • Cystic Fibrosis

Departments

  • Pulmonology & Respiratory Care
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Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

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