Bronchoscopy in Children: What to Expect at Home

Have your child rest when he or she feels tired. Getting enough sleep will help your child recover.

Have your child avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until the doctor says it is okay.

Your child can eat a normal diet. If your child's stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

If it is painful for your child to swallow, start out with cold drinks, flavored ice treats, and ice cream. Next, try soft foods like pudding, yogurt, canned or cooked fruit, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Have your child avoid eating hard or scratchy foods like chips or raw vegetables. Avoid orange or tomato juice and other acidic foods that can sting the throat.

Have your child drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated (unless the doctor tells you not to).

Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart his or her medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about your child taking any new medicines.

Be safe with medicines. Give pain medicines exactly as directed.

• If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.

• If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.

If you think pain medicine is making your child feel sick to his or her stomach:

• Give the medicine after meals (unless the doctor has told you not to).

• Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.

If the doctor prescribed antibiotics, give them to your child as directed. Do not stop giving them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.

Your child passes out (loses consciousness).

Your child coughs up large amounts of bright red blood.

Your child has severe trouble breathing.

Your child coughs up more than ½ cup of blood.

Your child has pain that does not get better after he or she takes pain medicine.

Your child has a fever over 100°F.

Your child still sounds hoarse after a few days.

Your child has bubbles under the skin around the collarbone. These may crackle and pop when you press on them.