Is your voice changing? Is it a throat problem? Let's learn about the Laryngoscopy test!

Have you been experiencing a change in your voice, a hoarseness, or a persistent cough? Or are you a little worried about something strange in your throat or something like that? Then your doctor may have asked you to have a test called a "laryngoscopy." So even though the name may sound a little scary, this is actually a simple, but very important test. Let's talk about it in detail today, okay?

What is a laryngoscopy?

Simply put, a laryngoscopy is a test to look at your larynx, or the part of your throat that makes sounds when you speak . This is done using a special instrument called a laryngoscope. It is a thin tube with a small light, camera, and lens at the end. This allows the doctor to see the inside of your larynx very clearly. Sometimes this test can be done in the doctor's office. Other times, it may be done as an operation in an operating theater. This will depend on your condition.

What is our larynx? What happens to it?

Think about it, your throat is the main tube through which you breathe ( trachea ) and the larynx is located in the middle. When we sing or speak, the sound comes from the vocal cords/vocal folds inside this larynx. It's like the strings on a guitar.

Another important thing is that there is a small flap called the epiglottis above the larynx. When you eat or drink, this flap closes and directs the food or drink into the esophagus or the food pipe . Otherwise, if the food or drink goes into the windpipe, we say "it got stuck in the throat" or "it went down the wrong pipe." That "wrong pipe" is the larynx. So this is a very important place.

Why do we need to do a laryngoscopy?

There may be several reasons why your doctor may recommend this test.

• Dysphonia / hoarseness: If your voice has become hoarse or has changed over a long period of time.
• Laryngitis: An infection or swelling of the larynx can occur, with symptoms such as a sore throat and difficulty speaking.
• Sore throat: A persistent, unexplained sore throat.
• Cough: A cough that has been present for a long time and does not subside.
• Swallowing difficulties: If you feel pain or a feeling of choking when swallowing food or drink.
• Feeling like something is stuck in your throat: If you constantly feel like something is stuck in your throat.
• Respiratory distress: If you have any difficulty breathing.
• More serious conditions: Sometimes this test can help detect more serious conditions, such as laryngeal cancer, early. That's why it's important not to ignore even minor symptoms.

Don't be afraid if your doctor suggests this test. This is to find out exactly what's going on inside. Only then can you treat it properly.

Who performs these laryngoscopy tests?

These tests are usually performed by otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons, or ENT surgeons . These doctors are specially trained to treat conditions related to your ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. They can perform these tests in their clinic office or, if necessary, as a surgical procedure in a hospital operating theater.

I'm having a laryngoscopy. What should I expect?

Your doctor will carefully assess your condition and decide which type of laryngoscopy is right for you. As mentioned earlier, this can be done in a clinic setting or as a surgical procedure.

For example, your doctor may decide to perform a laryngoscopy, a procedure that is performed in an operating theater. This is called a direct laryngoscopy . This direct laryngoscopy is often performed after a flexible laryngoscopy in the clinic, to further examine the larynx, perform a biopsy (a sample of tissue is taken for examination), or perform other minor surgery.

Do I need to prepare in advance for an in-office/clinic laryngoscopy?

Typically, you don't need to prepare much in advance for a laryngoscopy, which is done at a doctor's office. You can have it done almost immediately.

What should be done before a surgical procedure called a laryngoscopy?

If you are having a laryngoscopy in an operating theatre, under general anaesthesia (meaning you are completely asleep), your doctor will give you some instructions before the procedure:

• Fasting: You may be asked to abstain from eating or drinking for the night or for a few hours before the test.
• Medications: Some medications you may be taking (especially blood thinners) may need to be stopped a few days before the test. It's important to discuss this with your doctor.
• Smoking: If you are a smoker, you may be advised to stop smoking about a week before the test.
• Someone to drive you home: Because you will be given anesthesia, you will be asked to bring someone to drive you home after the test, as you will not be able to drive a vehicle.

What happens during a laryngoscopy?

There are two ways to do this. Let's look at them separately.

Laryngoscopy performed in the office/clinic

This is what happens:

• Sometimes the doctor may use a small, angled mirror and a bright light to look at your vocal cords.
• A flexible laryngoscope is often used. This is a flexible, meaning it can be easily bent, fiberoptic tube. It is passed through your nose and down your throat to examine it.
• Before this is done, a small amount of numbing medicine and a decongestant will be applied to your nose. This numbing medicine may taste a little bitter.
• You may feel a slight urge to cough , but it will subside after a while. There is nothing to worry about.
• Then, the doctor very carefully inserts this flexible laryngoscope through one of your nostrils and passes it down your throat.
• To see how your larynx is working, you may be asked to speak and make sounds like "ah..." and "eh..." during the test.
• In some special cases, a special scope that is inserted through the mouth may be used.

Direct Laryngoscopy performed in the operating theater

In this procedure, you will be given general anesthesia, so you will not feel anything. The doctor will use a special laryngoscope that is inserted through your mouth. This allows the doctor to see the larynx better and more directly. If necessary, this method is used to take a biopsy or perform minor surgery.

What happens after a laryngoscopy?

This also varies depending on the type of test you have had.

After the examination in the office/clinic

• Your nose and throat will feel numb for a few minutes after the test. This usually subsides after about 20 minutes.
• Don't eat or drink while your mouth and throat are numb, as this can cause choking.

After Direct Laryngoscopy in the operating theater

• After surgery, you will be sent to the recovery unit to recover from anesthesia and to be monitored for any complications.
• You may have a slight sore throat and/or hoarseness for a few days.
• The doctor may tell you to rest your voice for a few days after surgery, meaning not to talk too much.

Can complications occur from a laryngoscopy?

Complications from a flexible laryngoscopy performed in the clinic are very rare . However, if you have any specific concerns or questions, talk to your doctor about them.

Direct laryngoscopy procedures performed in the operating theatre are generally safe. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks. These include:

• Reaction to anesthesia: Some people may have allergic reactions to anesthesia medications.
• Tooth damage: Very rarely, minor damage or breakage of teeth may occur.
• Sore tongue or temporary change in taste: The tongue may be slightly sore or there may be a slight change in taste.
• Hoarseness of the voice: This usually gets better in a few days.
• Bleeding from the throat: This can also happen very rarely .

The chances of this happening are very small, but it's good to know. Your doctor will explain these risks to you in more detail.

How is a laryngoscope used to perform a biopsy?

A biopsy is a procedure that takes a tissue sample for testing. The doctor inserts a small instrument called a laryngoscope into the throat and removes a very small piece of tissue from a suspicious area. It is then sent to a laboratory for testing. Most often, this biopsy is done in conjunction with a direct laryngoscopy in the operating theatre. However, sometimes a biopsy can be done during an examination in the clinic.

Are Laryngoscopy and Endoscopy the same thing?

Endoscopy and laryngoscopy are both instruments and procedures that doctors use to look inside the body. In both, a tube with a light, a lens, and sometimes a video camera is used. The difference is that a laryngoscope is specifically designed to look at your larynx. The word endoscopy is more general, and it also refers to tests that look inside your stomach and intestines.

When do I get the results of the laryngoscopy?

The results of a flexible laryngoscopy performed in the clinic are available almost immediately . The doctor will tell you what the condition is as soon as he or she examines you.

However, if a tissue sample is taken as a biopsy or a culture is done, it can take a few days for the results to come back. This is often done during a Direct Laryngoscopy in the operating theatre. Ask your doctor when you can expect the results of your test.

When should I see the doctor again?

Laryngoscopy is generally a safe procedure with no major risks. However, see your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• If the sore throat persists for more than a few days.
• If you have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius) or higher, a fever may be a sign of an infection.
• If you cough up more blood than you expect.

If something like this happens, call the doctor immediately, okay?

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

It's normal to feel a little nervous when your doctor tells you to have a laryngoscopy. But remember, this is a very important test to find the exact cause of your throat and voice problems. Maybe you have a persistent sore throat. Or maybe your voice is hoarse and it's not getting better. Whatever the cause, this test can give you a clear answer.

Your doctor will explain to you how the test is performed, and what to do before and after it. If you don't understand anything, or if you have any concerns or doubts, ask your doctor. They will be happy to help you. Then you can face the test with confidence and ease. Remember, your health is what matters!

` Laryngoscopy, Larynx, Voice, Sore Throat, ENT, Biopsy