Nasal endoscopy is a procedure to look at the nasal and sinus passages. It’s done with an endoscope. This is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light. An ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) will often do this procedure in his or her office.
The sinuses are a group of spaces formed by the bones of your face. They connect with your nasal cavity. This is the air-filled space behind your nose.
During the procedure, the healthcare provider inserts the endoscope into your nose. He or she guides it through your nasal and sinus passages. Images of the area can be seen through the endoscope. This can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. In some cases, small tools may be used to take tiny samples of tissue or do other tasks.
Why might I need a nasal endoscopy?
You might need a nasal endoscopy if your healthcare provider needs more information about problems such as:
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal blockage
- Nasal and sinus infection (rhinosinusitis)
- Nasal polyps
- Nasal tumors
- Nosebleeds
- Loss of ability to smell
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak
The endoscopy can show specific details, such as the site of bleeding and swelling of nasal tissue. It can also be used to look at a growth that might be cancer.
In some cases, a nasal endoscopy can be used as a treatment. For example, it may be done on a child to remove a foreign object from his or her nose.