Nasal Endoscopy

Nasal endoscopy is a simple, minor procedure that can be performed during your office visit. This procedure is well tolerated by patients and used as a way for your Capitol ENT physician to visually inspect the nasal cavity in its entirety. Nasal endoscopy is often performed to evaluate common sinonasal complaints such as nasal blockage, nasal drainage, nosebleeds, facial pain, headaches, decreased sense of smell, and acute/chronic sinusitis.

First, both a decongestant and numbing medicine are applied topically to the nasal cavities, either with a nasal spray or by placing some soft cotton in the nose. This topical medication will numb the nasal cavities, making the procedure tolerable. The medication may also cause numbing of the throat, upper teeth, and roof of the mouth. If this occurs, the numbing sensation will wear off after 30-60 minutes. To be safe, we recommend avoiding swallowing any solids or liquids until the numbing sensation has completely worn off.

Next, a nasal endoscope is used to examine each nasal cavity one at a time. During the examination, it helps to try to stay relaxed and take slow easy breaths through your nose. Either a flexible or rigid endoscope will be used. Your Capitol ENT physician will examine the entire nasal septum, the turbinates, the recesses where the sinuses drain into the nose, and the posterior nasal cavity. If you have had sinus surgery before, your Capitol ENT physician will be able to directly visualize your sinus cavities for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. The examination generally takes 1-2 minutes.

If your Capitol ENT physician recommends that nasal endoscopy be performed, do not worry! We will carefully guide you through the process to make it as comfortable as possible

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