Nasal Endoscopy

What is nasal endoscopy?

Nasal endoscopy (en-DAH-skuh-pee) is a procedure to look at the inside of your nasal cavity and openings to your sinuses. Rhinoscopy and nasoendoscopy are other names healthcare providers use to describe the same procedure.

During nasal endoscopy, a provider inserts an endoscope (a long tube with a tiny camera and a light) into your nose. This helps them examine your nasal and sinus areas. The camera captures video images and projects them onto a screen.

When is nasal endoscopy performed?

Healthcare providers use nasal endoscopy when they need to look at the inside of your nose and sinuses. They use it to diagnose persistent symptoms like:

• Anosmia (loss of sense of smell)
• Facial pain (especially above your eyes and around your sinuses)
• Nasal congestion
• Nosebleeds
• Sinus headaches

Your provider can also use nasal endoscopy to help them:

• Do a biopsy of your nasal or sinus tissues
• Do sinus surgeries like FESS
• Remove a foreign object from your child’s nose

How do I prepare for a nasal endoscopy procedure?

You probably won’t need to make special preparations before your nasal endoscopy. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you need to do anything specific before your visit.

If you take blood thinners, tell your healthcare provider. You might need to stop taking them temporarily. But this is rarely the case.

What can I expect during the procedure?

Nasal endoscopy is an outpatient procedure that takes about one to five minutes to complete. It doesn’t require sedation, so you’ll be awake and able to communicate with your provider.

Your healthcare provider will:

1. Use a topical decongestant to reduce swelling and open your nasal passages
2. Spray a numbing medication into your nose to keep you comfortable during the procedure
3. Insert a flexible or rigid nasal endoscope into one of your nostrils and possibly pass it through your throat, stopping just above your voice box
4. Examine your nasal and sinus passages and check for any abnormalities
5. Do any necessary procedures (like a biopsy or sinus surgery)
6. Remove the endoscope and repeat on the other side

Nasal endoscopy shouldn’t hurt. But you’ll probably feel pressure during the procedure.

The anesthetic spray might numb your mouth and throat in addition to your nose. Due to the lingering numbness, it’s a good idea to avoid eating and drinking for about an hour after your nasal endoscopy.

Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need to follow any additional instructions.

What to expect after nasal endoscopy?

Nasal endoscopy side effects may include slight soreness in your nose and throat. You might even have mild nosebleeds. These side effects usually go away on their own in a couple of days.

Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding follow-ups and medications. They may schedule you for another nasal endoscopy later on to check your progress.

What are the risks?

Nasal endoscopy is generally safe. But there are possible complications, including:

• Allergic reactions to the anesthesia or decongestant
• Fainting
• Infection

Specific risks depend on several factors, including your age and other existing health conditions. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about potential complications during your consultation.

When should I know the results of the test?

Your healthcare provider might review the results of your nasal endoscopy with you right away. If they need more information to design a treatment plan, they may order more imaging tests, like a CT scan.

When should I call my doctor?

Call your healthcare provider any time you have questions or concerns regarding nasal endoscopy.

If you’ve already had the procedure, let your provider know if you develop pain, fever or other worrisome symptoms.