Let's learn about the test that looks inside your nose (Nasal Endoscopy)?

Sometimes we have various problems related to our nose, don't we? Think of it like a stuffy nose, a loss of smell, or frequent nosebleeds. If this continues, a doctor may ask you to have a test to look inside your nose. This is the test that is done at such times (Nasal Endoscopy). Although the name may sound a little scary, this is actually a very simple and very useful test. Shall we talk more about this?

What is this (Nasal Endoscopy)?

Simply put, a nasal endoscopy is a test to look inside your nose, the spaces inside your nose and the openings of your sinuses . Sometimes doctors call it a rhinoscopy or nasoendoscopy. In this test, a doctor inserts a device called an endoscope into your nose. The endoscope is a long tube with a tiny camera and a light at one end. The camera records the inside of your nose and displays it on a large screen. The doctor can then see what's going on inside your nose and see if there's anything wrong. It's easy, isn't it?

When is a Nasal Endoscopy performed?

Now let's see when a doctor might decide to perform this test (Nasal Endoscopy). Mainly, if you have persistent symptoms related to your nose, this test can help find the cause.

For example:

• Loss of sense of smell: This is medically called anosmia . If you suddenly have a reduced or complete loss of your sense of smell, this can help you figure out why.
• Facial pain: If you have persistent pain, especially above your eyes, in your forehead, or on either side of your cheeks, where your sinuses are.
• Nasal congestion: If you constantly feel like your nose is blocked, even without a cold, and it feels like you have difficulty breathing.
• Nosebleeds: If you have frequent nosebleeds, you need to find out the cause. It could be something minor, but it's best to get it checked out.
• Sinus headaches: Some people get headaches due to sinus problems. This is also a good time to check what's going on.

In addition to these symptoms, doctors use this (Nasal Endoscopy) for several other things.

• Taking a small piece of tissue from the nose or sinuses for testing (Biopsy): Sometimes, if you see something unusual inside the nose, such as a small lump, you may need to take a small piece of it and test it. This method helps to do a biopsy .
• When performing sinus surgeries: For example, in surgeries like FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery), the surgery is performed while looking inside the nose. This allows treatment to be done exactly where the problem is.
• If a small child gets something stuck in their nose, remove it: Sometimes small children can get things like nuts or pieces of toys stuck in their nose while playing. This is also used to carefully remove such things.

How do you prepare for this?

Most of the time, you don't need to do much special preparation for this (Nasal Endoscopy) test. It's very simple. However, your doctor will tell you if there's anything special you need to do.

One important thing is that if you are taking blood thinners , such as aspirin, you should tell your doctor in advance. Sometimes they will tell you to stop taking the medication for a few days. But this happens very rarely, so there is nothing to worry about. Just do as your doctor says.

What happens during the test?

This (Nasal Endoscopy) test is usually done as an outpatient procedure, without staying in the hospital. It takes about one to five minutes to be exact. You are anesthetized, meaning you are not asleep (no sedation). So you are fully conscious, can talk to the doctor, and know what is happening.

Here's what usually happens:

• First, the doctor will use a topical decongestant to reduce swelling inside your nose and open up your nasal passages. This will make it easier to see inside your nose.
• Then, a numbing medication/anesthetic spray is sprayed into your nose to make sure you don't feel any discomfort or pain during the test. This will cause the inside of your nose to become slightly numb.
• Next, that endoscope I mentioned earlier, which can be flexible or rigid , is slowly inserted through one of your nostrils. It can also be passed down your throat, up to where your voice box is. It's done to see if there's a problem in that part of your throat.
• Now the doctor will carefully examine your nasal passages and sinus cavities to see if there is anything unusual, such as a tumor, swelling, or infection.
• If necessary, a biopsy, as mentioned earlier, or sinus surgery can be done right now.
• Finally, the endoscope is carefully removed and, if necessary, the other nostril is examined in the same way.

(Nasal Endoscopy) should not hurt . Remember that. However, you may feel a slight pressure or tickling sensation because something is being put inside your nose.

The numbing spray that goes up your nose may also numb your mouth and throat. Since the numbness will last for a while, it's best to avoid eating or drinking for about an hour after the test. Because the numbness can make it difficult to eat or drink.

Your doctor will tell you if you need to follow any special instructions.

What happens after the test?

After the test, you may feel a little scratchy in your nose and throat, and your throat may feel a little dry. You may also have a very small amount of blood coming out of your nose. But these things usually go away on their own in a day or two . So there's nothing to worry about.

Take the medicine as the doctor tells you, and if you need to come back for a check-up, do so. You may also have another (nasal endoscopy) done at a later date to see how your condition is, the doctor will decide.

Are there any risks in this?

Nasal endoscopy is generally a very safe procedure . However, as with any medical procedure, there is a chance that minor complications may occur. However, they are very rare, meaning they rarely occur.

• Allergic reactions can occur to anesthesia or decongestant . It's like a medicine that's applied to the body that doesn't work.
• Some people may faint . This may be due to fear or the nature of the test.
• Very rarely , an infection may occur.

The extent of these risks depends on several factors, such as your age and the other medical conditions you have (e.g., diabetes, heart disease). Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor about this before the test. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have.

How long does it take to know the results?

This is a question that many people ask. Fortunately, most of the time your doctor will talk to you about the results of your nasal endoscopy right away . This is because the doctor can see what's inside your nose on a screen right away. However, if you need more information to help you make a treatment plan, for example, if you had a biopsy, it can take a few days for the report to come back. Or, you may be asked to do further tests, such as a CT scan, to find out more.

Do you want to see the doctor again?

If you have any questions or concerns about the Nasal Endoscopy test, please call or see your doctor at any time .

Especially, after you've taken the test,

• If you experience unbearable pain ,
• If you get a fever ,
• If there is excessive bleeding from the nose,
• Or if you develop any new, unusual symptoms , you should tell your doctor about them as soon as possible. Even if it's just a minor thing, it's good to know.

Finally, remember this.

It's normal to feel a little scared when we're told we need to do a test to diagnose a disease. It happens to everyone. However, if you have persistent symptoms related to your nose or sinuses, this test (Nasal Endoscopy) can be very helpful in finding the right treatment for them. Although it only takes about five minutes , it can tell you a lot about your health. It can also help you identify something that could have been a big problem early.

So, talk to your doctor about whether this test is right for you and whether you need to have it. Don't worry, it's usually a simple, quick, and painless test. It's for your own good.

` Nose, endoscopy, nasal endoscopy, sinus, nasal congestion, loss of smell, medical tests