Nasal endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that is performed to look at the insides of the nasal cavity and the sinus cavity. This procedure involves the insertion of the long, slender tube with a camera called an endoscope. This helps to easily view the nasal cavity on the screen.
Nasal endoscopy is also referred to as rhinoscopy.
When is nasal endoscopy recommended?
An endoscopy is usually recommended by an ENT doctor in case of:
- Bleeding from the nose
- Inflammation in the nasal area
- Congestion in the nose
- Loss of smell
- Headaches
- Pain in the sinus cavity
- Nasal tumors
- Persistent nasal congestion
In case you notice any of the signs, reach out to an ear specialist in Coimbatore to get immediate help.
What is the procedure followed in a nasal endoscopy?
In case of any congestion, your doctor may apply any decongestant as this helps the nasal endoscope to move freely in the nasal cavity. Also a numbing spray or cream may be applied to reduce the discomfort or any pain. After repeating the procedure on the one side the same steps are followed on the other side of the nose.
What does the ENT doctor look for while performing a nasal endoscopy?
During a nasal endoscopy procedure the ENT doctor generally:
- Gets a complete view of the nasal and sinus cavities.
- Takes a sample needed for any biopsy procedure
- Removes any polyps or blocked mucus
- Removes any foreign object in case stuck
- To also perform a transnasal endoscopic skull base surgery
The nasal endoscopy can help in identifying various aspects like the bleeding site and in case of swelling. At times it can be also used as a treatment procedure to remove any foreign object stuck in the nasal cavity especially in children.
It is also used to understand the effectiveness of any treatment that a patient is undergoing.
One of the most significant reasons for a nose endoscopy is rhinosinusitis. You might have a stuffy nose, yellow or brown fluid coming out of your nose, and pain in your face. Your doctor or nurse can look for growth and polyps with the endoscope. The ENT doctor may remove the pus from the place that is affected. This can help show what is causing an illness and how to treat it best.
Is nasal endoscopy a painful procedure?
As mentioned before undergoing a nasal endoscopy a numbing spray or cream is applied to ease any discomfort that may follow. It is usually a painless procedure but in case you experience any pain inform your doctor right away.
Can transnasal endoscopic surgery be performed with a nasal endoscope?
Endoscopes are utilized in sinus surgery virtually 100 percent of the time these days. On the other hand, in contrast to the majority of other procedures, this one is performed in an operating room. Surgeons are given a magnified image of the interior of the sinuses and nose using the endoscope during surgical procedures. This makes it possible to perform safer, effective, and more precise surgical procedures.
Septoplasty and turbinectomy are two more procedures that are frequently performed with the assistance of endoscopes. Surgeons have just recently begun employing the use of the nasal endoscope in the treatment of disorders that are located outside of the nose and sinuses.
Through the nostrils, these minimally invasive procedures are carried out in order to access the orbits, the base of the skull, the brain, and the upper spine. Because of the endoscope, these procedures are now less intrusive, have a lower risk of morbidity, and produce better results.
What does the recovery after a nasal endoscopy feel like?
The amount of time it takes to recover and the level of pain stimuli varies from patient to patient. Recovery from typical sinus surgery, which needs nasal packing, is far less pain causing than the recovery from this procedure.
There are some patients who experience no pain and very little swelling, the majority of patients have a moderate amount of pain, and the people can resume their normal activities without experiencing any discomfort.
Others have mentioned that they are experiencing a mild discomfort that can be tolerated, but very few have mentioned that they are in serious pain. Most people describe it as feeling like a cold combined with pressure in their sinuses.
Your doctor may recommend pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort that you are experiencing. Depending on the technique, the patient might make a full recovery anywhere from three to seven days after the procedure.
When should you visit your doctor?
Call your doctor or other healthcare practitioner as soon as possible if you have any questions or concerns about having a nasal endoscopy. If you are experiencing discomfort, fever, or any other concerning symptoms after the treatment, it is important that you make an appointment with your ENT doctor as soon as possible.
Important Takeaway:
A nasal endoscopy is a frequently performed diagnostic procedure that examines the interior of the nose and sinus passageways of a patient. It can be of assistance to your doctor in learning more about what;s causing the symptoms so that they can come up with a suitable treatment plan. Visit an ENT hospital in Coimbatore to seek medical help for any nasal issues.