Has anyone gone through the rather invasive lung investigation known as bronchoscopy? I am about the undergo one and the prospect frightens me. I had a session with a thoratic consultant who tried to explain it all to me but I was so anxious that half the explanation got lost. But one thing stuck in my mind, that the examination will cause me to start coughing. I have never coughed in my life even though I am over 66 and have smoked 20 cigarettes daily for nearly 40 years. For some reason, I had to see the equipment before my admission, and managed to do so. The size [i.e.circumference] of the bronchoscope put the fear of God into me. My question to the group is: what are the possible consequences of a bronchoscopy? Is the cough permanent?