Have you ever felt lucky to live in the current modern world? Imagine living in the past where medicine is not as sophisticated as nowadays and chances of surviving from surgery procedure may end up dying on the operation table instead. Technology and discoveries have led to most diseases that can be treated and more treatment is safe. Furthermore, regular health screening can help prevent many illnesses from evolving into serious ones. In this article, we will be learning more about a procedure known as nasal endoscopy.
Nasal endoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin and flexible tube with a tiny camera and light known as the endoscope to take a closer look at the nasal and sinus passages. Sinuses are groups of small, air-filled cavities behind the cheekbone and forehead. Beside a close view of the nose and sinuses, nasal endoscopy is used for biopsy purposes of taking small samples of tissues and small surgeries such as removing polyps. Nasal endoscopy is usually performed by ear, nose and throat doctors (ENT specialists).
Nasal endoscopy usually takes 1 to 5 minutes. Before the endoscope is placed in, the doctor will spray the nose with topical decongestant to reduce swelling and make it easier to pass through the nasal cavity and sinuses. Some doctors may spray with anaesthetic but may be avoided in certain circumstances. The endoscope is then inserted through the nose and pictures from the camera will be displayed on a screen. Procedure may be repeated on the opposite side of the nose. After the procedure is done, the patient may be able to go home and do daily activities as normal. Healthcare providers may provide specific instructions that need to be followed after the nasal endoscopy procedure.
As mentioned, there are many uses or aims of a nasal endoscopy. This may vary to one person and another. Thus, it is important to understand the reasons why you need a nasal endoscopy and to follow all doctor’s advice in order to ensure a smooth procedure. A person may be recommended for nasal endoscopy if there is a lot of drainage from the nose, face pain or pressure, headaches caused by sinuses, multiple sinus infections, difficulty breathing through the nose, unexplained nosebleeds and loss of sense of smell.
Nasal endoscopy is used to diagnose many diseases related to the nose and sinuses. This includes infection of sinuses or nose, nasal congestion, nasal polyps, nasal tumours, nosebleeds, inability to smell, cerebrospinal fluid leak and nasal blockage such as in children with foreign bodies stuck in the nose. Common reason for nasal endoscopy is rhinosinusitis.
Just as with any other procedure, nasal endoscopy does possess risk. Nosebleed may occur following the procedure but it should go away on the same day. Risk of bleeding may increase in those with bleeding disorder or on medication such as blood-thinning medicine. People with heart disease may be feeling light-headed or passed out. Harmful reactions may be possible with exposure to decongestant or anaesthetic. It is important to let your healthcare provider know about current medication and medical conditions so adjustment and extra steps can be taken to reduce risk and avoid complications.
In essence, nasal endoscopy possesses many functions aside from diagnosing purposes. Nasal endoscopy helps give information for healthcare providers to plan proper treatment. At times, additional tests such as CT scan may be required to help confirm a diagnosis. Nasal endoscopy is considered safe and a minimally invasive surgery as it is done with very small tools and generally does not need incision (external cut). It is vital to follow all instructions from healthcare providers regarding medicine and follow-up. Any complaints or enquiries should be addressed to healthcare providers immediately.
Also read – Dengue prevention.
