The use of topical anesthesia, analgesia and sedation during bronchoscopy currently varies based on physician preference. The ACCP recommends the following for bronchoscopy patients:
• All patients undergoing bronchoscopy should receive topical anesthesia, analgesia or sedation unless there are contraindications
• The extent of sedation (minimal, moderate, deep or general anesthesia) should be based on the location where bronchoscopy is performed and the complexity and duration of the procedure
• Topical anesthesia before and during bronchoscopy reduces cough and needed dose of sedation
• Use of anticholinergic agents before bronchoscopy is discouraged because data suggests they do not provide a clinically meaningful effect
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