Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Anterior rhinoscopy with a speculum – examination of the inside of the nose with the help of a light source (under indirect illumination with a forehead mirror or with a headlamp); in this case, using a nasal speculum to keep the nasal passage open.
- Nasal endoscopy (nasal cavity endoscopy; rigid or flexible optics); indications (indications for use):
- For evaluation of the pharyngeal tonsils (tonsilla pharyngea).
- To exclude choanal atresia (congenital membranous or bony closure of the posterior nasal orifice), intranasal foreign bodies, and nasopharyngeal tumors
- Rhinomanometry – Measurement method of the volume flow passing through the main nasal cavity (i.e., from the nasal valves to the posterior nasal openings). It provides objective measurement data on the degree of nasal patency or obstruction (Latin obstructio, occlusion); indications (areas of application):
- For objectification of nasal obstruction, the examination takes place before and after decongestant sympathomimetics.
- For morphological differentiation of structural and mucosal components; the influence of a turbinate hyperplasia can also be presented if necessary.
- Tympanometry (middle ear pressure measurement) – e.g., if tympanic effusion is suspected (synonym: seromucotympanum; accumulation of fluid in the middle ear (tympanum))[tube ventilation disorder: shift of the pressure-dependent compliance of the tympanic membrane into the negative range (C-curve); tympanic effusion: flat course (B-curve)]
- X-ray of the paranasal sinuses (X-ray NNH) in one or two planes – to detect chronic sinusitis (sinusitis), adenoid hyperplasia (pharyngeal tonsil enlargement).
- Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses (NNH-CT; sectional imaging procedure (X-ray images from different directions with computer-based evaluation)); indications (indications for use):
- Suspicion of pathological/diseased processes (e.g., nasopharyngeal carcinoma).
- Before surgical interventions in case of failure of conservative therapy.
