Nasal endoscopy
RhinoscopyNasal endoscopy is a test to view the inside of the nose and sinuses to check for problems.
-
How the Test is Performed
The test takes about 1 to 5 minutes. Your health care provider will:
- Spray your nose with a medicine to reduce swelling and numb the area.
- Insert the nasal endoscope into your nose. This is a long flexible or rigid tube with a camera at the end to look inside the nose and sinuses. Pictures may be projected onto a screen.
- Examine the inside of your nose and sinuses.
- Remove polyps, mucus, or other masses from the nose or sinuses.
-
How to Prepare for the Test
You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test.
-
How the Test will Feel
This test does not hurt.
- You may feel discomfort or pressure as the tube is put into your nose.
- The spray numbs your nose. It can numb your mouth and throat, and you may feel like you cannot swallow. This numbness goes away in 20 to 30 minutes.
- You might sneeze during the test. If you feel a sneeze coming on, let your provider know.
- It is normal to have tearing from the eyes during this test.
-
Why the Test is Performed
You may have a nasal endoscopy to figure out what is causing problems in your nose and sinuses.
During the procedure, your provider may:
- Look at the inside of your nose and sinuses
- Take a sample of tissue for a biopsy
- Do small surgeries to remove polyps, excess mucus, or other masses
- Suction out crusts or other debris to clear your nose and sinuses
Your provider may recommend nasal endoscopy if you are having:
- A lot of sinus infections
- Lots of drainage from your nose
- Face pain or pressure
- Sinus headaches
- A hard time breathing through your nose
- Nose bleeds
- Loss of sense of smell
-
Normal Results
The inside of the nose and bones look normal.
-
What Abnormal Results Mean
Nasal endoscopy helps with the diagnosis of:
-
Risks
There is very little risk with a nasal endoscopy for most people.
- If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medicine, let your provider know so they are extra careful to decrease bleeding.
- If you have heart disease, there is a small risk that you could feel lightheaded or faint.
References
Lal D, Stankiewicz JA. Primary sinus surgery. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 44.
Rosen CA, Pletcher SD. Upper airway disorders. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 70.