Nasal Endoscopy for Diagnosis of Sinus Infection

Nasal Endoscopy provides for accurate diagnosis of the severity of the sinus infection which then allows doctors to prescribe the best sinus infection treatment.

Nasal Endoscopy

Nasal endoscopy is a medical procedure performed by an Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) in the doctor's clinic. Prior to the procedure, an analgesic together with a topical nasal vasoconstrictor is sprayed into both nostrils.

The purpose of this is to ensure a painless procedure. The vasoconstrictor is applied for shrinking the mucosal lining in the nose so that the endoscope can be manoeuvred easily through the nasal passages.

In fact, most doctors don't even apply these solutions as the procedure is relatively simple and painless! The endoscope is a flexible fiber-optic tube with a light attached at the tip together with a tiny camera for capturing images of the nasopharynx.

As the patient is awake, he can actually see the insides of the nasal passages as the endoscope is inserted into the nostrils through live video.

The endoscope is attached to an equipment which is connected to a CRT monitor for the patient to follow the procedure and for the doctor to explain the findings.

To examine the nasopharynx, the nasal endoscope is inserted into the nostrils and navigated by the specialist to the various openings of the sinus cavities. For accurate diagnosis of sinus infection, nasal endoscopy is commonly used today.

It can provide very clear information about the severity of the sinus infection so that the correct treatment options are applied for a complete cure. At the same time, nasal endoscopy allows for detection of abnormal growths such as nasal polyps and tumors.

The advantage of nasal endoscopy over that of a CT scan is its ability to show clearly to the doctor the state of the physical tissues and structures within the nose. Also, the patient is not exposed to any form of radiation that comes with a CT scan or an MRI.

Otitis Media and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Nasal endoscopy is also used as a diagnostic procedure for those suffering from Otitis Media. Otitis media is an inflammation in the middle ear (the area behind the eardrum) that often comes with a buildup of fluid.

The fluid may or may not be infected. Normally, when a patient complains of hearing loss arising from a blocked or clogged ear, the doctor would check the inside of the ear canal using an otoscope.

If, no physical abnormality is found from this procedure, nasal endoscopy is usually the next step to determine if there is any obstruction at the opening of the eustachian tubes which is connected to the nasopharynx.

Obstruction can be in the form of mucus buildup arising from sinus infection or the presence of a growth or tumor. In fact, eustachian tube dysfunction is very common to patients suffering from chronic and recurring sinus infections.

Since nasal endoscopy is a completely painless procedure even without the application to topical sprays to numb the membranes of the nasal passages, there is no need to fear if you have to go through one.