A nasal endoscopy is a common, minimally invasive medical procedure used to examine the passages of the nose and sinuses. It offers healthcare providers a magnified view of these internal structures. Performed in a doctor’s office, this procedure helps in understanding various nasal and sinus conditions.
What is a Nasal Endoscopy?
A nasal endoscopy uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light source. This device allows a physician to visually inspect the nasal cavity and the openings to the paranasal sinuses. The images captured by the camera are often projected onto a screen, providing a magnified view for precise evaluation.
Healthcare providers perform nasal endoscopies for various reasons, including diagnosing chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, recurrent nosebleeds, or foreign objects. It also helps evaluate nasal congestion, facial pain, or a decreased sense of smell. It also monitors treatment effectiveness for nasal and sinus problems.
The Endoscope’s Path
The endoscope is gently inserted into a nostril. From there, it navigates through the nasal cavity, a space divided by the nasal septum. As the endoscope progresses, it allows for visualization of structures such as the turbinates, which are bony shelves covered by mucous membranes that warm and humidify air.
The endoscope also examines the meatuses, the passages beneath the turbinates, which serve as drainage pathways for the paranasal sinuses. The middle meatus is particularly important as it provides access to the frontal, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses. The endoscope can reach the nasopharynx, the area at the very back of the nose, above the soft palate and behind the throat. A standard nasal endoscopy does not extend into the lungs or brain.
Preparing for and Undergoing a Nasal Endoscopy
Before a nasal endoscopy, patients do not need extensive preparation like fasting. However, it is advisable to inform the doctor about any medications, especially blood thinners, as adjustments might be necessary. Patients typically sit upright in an examination chair for the procedure.
To enhance comfort and visibility, a topical decongestant spray, such as oxymetazoline, is often applied to reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Following this, a numbing agent, commonly lidocaine spray, is used to anesthetize the nasal lining, which can also numb the back of the throat. While the procedure is not typically painful, patients may experience a sensation of pressure or mild discomfort as the endoscope moves through the nasal passages. The endoscopy usually takes one to five minutes. After the procedure, temporary numbness in the nose and throat is common, and mild soreness or congestion may occur for a day or two; most individuals can resume normal activities immediately.