lignocaine anaesthetic spray for brochoscopy?

[juliepops]

Mod note: Slight title edit for clarity. Substantial topics exist on local anaethetic injection and topical applications, please use the search facility to find these. This topic for discussion of throat spray preparations.

Have just seen my asthma consultant and need to have a brochoscopy (camera put down throat into lungs) under a local anaesthetic. I told him that I don't respond to lignocaine when injected for dental treatment and when I required stitches to a cut. He explained that with a bronchoscopy the anaesthetic is not injected but sprayed to numb the throat and he had never come across problems with this. I am very apprehensive as to what to expect. Has anyone out there had the same issue? really need a bit of advice
Thanks Julie

[jojackson]

I had the spray for a laryngoscopy many years ago, with no effect. I had another laryngoscopy a couple of weeks ago without the spray, and it was fine. I'm having a bronchoscopy next week, so will let you know how it goes!

[juliepops]

thanks for your encouraging reply

[WinonaLemonade]

hi at the residential they said lignocaine doesn't work because the tissues are so thin and it just disapears into your body. i don't know exactly but you might want to talk to the person doing it again because i can't personally see what the difference between an injection and spray would be and they'll need to know if you're not going to respond properly, good luck.

[Stone]

I've been told the same as Winona - the explanatioin was that it may spread between tissue planes in an abnormal way (in which case it won't work as expected - too much effect, no effect, unexpected duration, whatever)

Personally I've had lignocaine fail completely, last longer than expected (28 hours instead of 6!) and work normally but in enormous doses - so I find it best to just warn them in advance so they're ready to adjust it as needed. So long as they check it's worked before they start it should go ok

Stone

[nonyanomemory]

as this thread has been appropriated for throat sprays I am wary about posting as my query is about ears and sprays but not sure if it is appropriate in other thread either. worrying away about this so please delete if necessary and apologies in advance for any work caused to a moderator. Worrying about posting in the wrong place gets me logging out poste haste.

However I am being brave and posting before I bottle out - so here goes:-

I am due to have grommets and have a similar query as my gp says the spray is different and not really a local anasthetic. Having had disasterous experiences with this horrid bit of having EDS I am terrified that they will do the procedure with me screaming in agony not being believed that I am not making up! Totally understand your apprehension.

[WinonaLemonade]

even if the doctor doesn't beileve you will have a problem surely they would use something else when you don't respond properly. or is that to logical? (it is for my dentist)

[alaskastephanie]

I was a dental assistant in the USA for 12 years. I have found for myself that Articaine (Septocaine - brand name in USA) works best both as a dental block and inter osseous (bone) injections. As a topical I have never had trouble with topical lidocaine but it doesn't last as long for me as I think it does on the average Joe patient. I've only used the spray on other people so I don't know how well it works down the throat. But that said if they have an Articaine spray for topical use for your bronchoscope maybe that will work the best.
I've found for myself Articaine works the most predictable and most effectively. Again that's not a topical application and I don't know if there is a topical preparation but worth an ask of your doctor.

[alaskastephanie]

I also wanted to tell people to check for a colinestrase deficiencey I understand that this might be the reason for our issues with annesthetic. I'm due to have general knowing that my dad has had trouble with waking up. I've never had surgery that requires a general and I'm terrified of it all. If anyone has any info/adivse I'm all ears.
Thanks

[juliepops]

Hi all!
Finally had my bronchoscopy yesterday. The doc I see in asthma clinic performed the procedure which was good because she has always been so thorough with everything. She gave me an extra dose of the spray at the back of the throat and it worked well. With all the other sedatives they gave me I have been feeling a bit "out of sorts" today. Hopefully they will get some results which will help me understand whats been going on with my health.
Only wish that the doc I see in Rheumy was as understanding and efficient. Can't have it all!!

Thanks for all your words of advice

julie

[nonyanomemory]

Hi Julie,
I am so pleased the bronchoscopy went well, with an understanding medical professional. Refreshing to read that and I am sorry your experience with a rheumatologist was not so good. Hoping the 'out of sorts' goes very soon. Good luck with the results.

Hi alaskastephanie,
colinestrase deficiency, something I haven't heard of. An ENT specialist mentioned recently that issues with locals etc. may be related to altered collagen but the actual reason is yet unknown. I am intrigued with the deficiency you mention. Don't want to make myself look silly by assuming that colinestrase may be anything to do with collagen just because it also begins with a C Although don't want to go off topic by discussing further in what may be the wrong thread, sometimes one discussion naturally leads to another but am mindful that mod's work hard to keep things in order . Thanks for mentioning it.
nonya