What is nasal endoscopy?
Nasal endoscopy is a procedure where an ENT specialist passes an endoscope into the nose via nostril to visualise the insides of the nose, the openings of para-nasal sinuses and the space behind the nose known as nasopharynx.
When is it advised?
Nasal endoscopy is advised when a patient has symptoms suggestive of a disease in the nose, the para-nasal sinuses or the nasopharynx. Examples of such include – nasal polyps, septal deviations, spurs, growth in the nose, sinusitis, persistent nasal block, persistent mouth breathing in a child, snoring etc.
Is this a painful procedure?
It is usually performed under local anaesthesia, that is under effect of local anaesthetic drops or gel. It is usually a painless procedure, unless there is very little space or un underlying disease. Patients can discuss more about the sensation experienced during the test with their treating ENT specialist.
How to prepare oneself for Nasal Endoscopy?
Not much preparation is required from patient’s side for the procedure. Prior to undergoing the procedure two different types of nasal drops are put in the nose. These drops may also be put with the help of a cotton pledget or a ribbon to make the medicines more effective. These drops or medicines include a nasal decongestant (to make more room in the nose) and a local anaesthetic (such as lignocaine) to make the procedure more comfortable.
Types of nasal endoscopy:
There are two ways to perform this diagnostic test, these are:
- Rigid endoscopy: a 2mm (in children) or a 4mm (for adults) endoscope is used to examine the nose and the nasopharynx
- Flexible endoscopy: utilises a fiberoptic flexible scope, this procedure can be combined with a laryngo-pharyngoscopy (examination of the larynx and pharynx).
For nasal, paranasal and nasopharyngeal diseases rigid endoscopy is the preferred method of examination.