Nasal Endoscopy
Nasal 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 5 to 10 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 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.
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
- 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:
- Polyps
- Blockages
- Sinusitis
- Swollen and runny nose that will not go away
- Nasal masses or tumors
- A foreign object (like a marble) in the nose or sinus
- Deviated septum (many insurance plans require a nasal endoscopy prior to surgery to correct it)