Like otoscopy, nasal endoscopy (rhinoscopy) is one of the routine examinations performed by an ENT physician. In order to clarify diseases or even disorders inside the nose, rhinoscopy is used during almost every visit to the ENT physician.
What is rhinoscopy?
Nasal endoscopy (rhinoscopy) is used to examine the inside of the nose (nasal cavity) and the nasopharynx. Nasal endoscopy (rhinoscopy) is used to examine the inside of the nose (main nasal cavity) and the nasopharynx. A distinction is made between anterior nasal endoscopy (rhinoscopia anterior), middle nasal endoscopy (rhinoscopia media) and posterior nasal endoscopy (rhinoscopia posterior). In anterior rhinoscopy, the ENT physician uses a so-called nasal speculum. This is a type of metal forceps with a funnel at the end. The so-called nasal endoscope is used for the middle nasal endoscopy. This is a flexible or also rigid tube with a light source as well as a small camera at the end. The tongue depressor as well as an angled nasopharyngeal mirror are used for posterior nasal endoscopy
Function, effect, goals and application
Through the nasal endoscopy, the ENT physician obtains information about the structure of the inside of the nose as well as the condition of the nasal mucosa. It also allows him to better examine any nasal secretions present. Posterior rhinoscopy can also detect the presence of inflammation of the maxillary sinus. The ENT specialist recognizes such an inflammation by the presence of a purulent discharge. In addition, nasal endoscopy can also detect possible new growths or malformations inside the nose (e.g. nasal polyps, tumors). Nasal endoscopy is a procedure that is usually painless. If there is inflammation in the nasal area or if a nasal operation has been performed, the doctor may prescribe a decongestant or even a local anesthetic nasal spray to avoid possible pain. In general, however, rhinoscopy is a low-risk and low-pain diagnostic procedure. Nasal endoscopy is performed by the doctor with the help of various instruments. As the name suggests, in anterior rhinoscopy the nose is viewed from the front. In this procedure, the entrances of the nose are dilated with the help of the nasal speculum. The anterior nasal passages, as well as the entire nasal cavity, can thus be viewed closely with the help of a light source or a reflective mirror on the forehead. If the view is obstructed by crusts, blood or even mucus, these are gently removed with a cotton swab or also suctioned off during nasal endoscopy. If the ENT physician detects inflammatory changes, then he takes a swab and has the material examined in the laboratory. The middle nasal endoscopy is performed with the help of the so-called nasal endoscope. In this case, the ENT physician will anesthetize the nasal mucosa with a special spray. Via the oral cavity, the posterior rhinoscopy is ultimately performed with an angled mirror. During this procedure, the tongue is pressed down with a spatula. The patient should breathe through the nose if possible in order to create a large distance between the soft palate and the posterior pharyngeal wall and thus facilitate the nasal endoscopy. For the ENT physician, rhinoscopy is an important aid in making a diagnosis. Thus, rhinoscopy provides information about the nature and condition of the inside of the nose, and in the diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis, it is even part of the basic diagnosis. Probably the most common diagnosis made during rhinoscopy is a crooked nasal septum (deviated septum). Furthermore, polyps, mucosal ulcers, swelling of the mucosa or conchae, accumulations of pus and blood, tumors or even foreign bodies are also detected. Enlarged adenoids, polyps or even thickened posterior conchal ends can be diagnosed with posterior rhinoscopy.
Risks, side effects and dangers
Nasal endoscopy (rhinoscopy) generally has no risks or side effects. Nasal mirrors come in different sizes, so the ENT doctor can choose the appropriate size for each nostril. This makes nasal endoscopy painless and harmless for the patient. In general, the ENT physician also pays close attention when spreading the speculum so that he does not exert great pressure on the sensitive septum of the nose.As a rule, pressure is only applied to the rather insensitive nostrils. If inflammation is present that causes pain during the examination, then the ENT physician will use a nasal spray for the rhinoscopy, which has an anesthetic effect.
