Rhinoscopy

Rhinoscopy — is an endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, during which the doctor uses a thin endoscope to examine the mucous membrane and anatomical structures of the nose. The examination helps to identify the cause of impaired nasal breathing, a prolonged runny nose, nosebleeds, and other ENT symptoms.

At the «Oxford Medical» medical center, nasal rhinoscopy is performed by experienced otolaryngologists using modern endoscopic equipment. After the examination, the doctor explains its results and, if necessary, creates an individual treatment plan. If you are concerned about nasal congestion, a prolonged runny nose, or other symptoms, make an appointment for a consultation with an ENT doctor by calling the contact center or using the online appointment form on the website.

During endoscopic rhinoscopy, the doctor can sequentially examine different sections of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Depending on which area is being assessed at a particular moment, three types of rhinoscopy are distinguished:

• Anterior rhinoscopy — examination of the anterior sections of the nasal cavity, the nasal septum, and the inferior nasal turbinates. The examination usually begins with this stage.

• Middle rhinoscopy — examination of the middle nasal meatus, where the paranasal sinuses open. This makes it possible to assess changes characteristic of inflammatory processes, particularly maxillary sinusitis.

• Posterior rhinoscopy — examination of the posterior sections of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, which cannot be fully assessed during an anterior examination.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain: the scope of rhinoscopy depends on the symptoms and the purpose of the examination. In some cases, it is sufficient to examine the anterior sections of the nasal cavity, while in others it is necessary to additionally assess the middle nasal meatus or nasopharynx. If necessary, during one examination the doctor sequentially examines all sections in order to obtain complete information about the possible causes of the symptoms.

Rhinoscopy can detect:

• acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane;

• swelling, redness, crusts, erosions, and other changes in the mucosa;

• deviation of the nasal septum;

• nasal polyps and other neoplasms;

• foreign bodies in the nasal cavity;

• the source or possible cause of a nosebleed;

• signs of inflammatory changes in the area of the natural openings of the paranasal sinuses.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain: in most cases, rhinoscopy provides enough information to establish or clarify the diagnosis. If a neoplasm is detected during the examination or there is suspicion of pathology of the paranasal sinuses, the doctor may recommend additional examinations. In particular, CT is performed to assess the sinuses, and in the case of neoplasms — a biopsy followed by histological examination.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend undergoing rhinoscopy if the symptoms do not resolve within 10–14 days, recur frequently, or gradually worsen. Timely examination helps determine the cause of the complaints and define further treatment tactics.

There are few absolute contraindications to endoscopic rhinoscopy. In most cases, the examination can be performed during the initial appointment, but in some conditions it is advisable to temporarily postpone it.

Rhinoscopy may be postponed in case of:

• heavy bleeding from the nasal cavity;

• severe nasal trauma;

• severe narrowing of the nasal passages due to pronounced swelling or other changes that make it impossible to perform the examination safely.

In most cases, rhinoscopy can be performed even with pronounced nasal congestion or inflammation. If the examination is temporarily impossible, treatment is carried out first, and after the condition improves, a repeat examination is performed.

Rhinoscopy is usually performed during an appointment with an otolaryngologist. First, the doctor clarifies the patient’s complaints, after which they perform endoscopic diagnostics of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx.

A thin endoscope with a camera and light source is used for the examination. The doctor carefully inserts it into the nasal passage and sequentially examines the mucous membrane, nasal septum, nasal passages, nasal turbinates, and, if necessary, the nasopharynx. The image is displayed on a monitor in magnified form, which makes it possible to assess the condition of the tissues in detail.

During the procedure, the patient may feel slight discomfort or a brief urge to sneeze, but there is usually no pronounced pain. If necessary, before the examination the doctor may treat the mucous membrane with a local anesthetic and, to reduce swelling, use a vasoconstrictor medication.

Rhinoscopy lasts approximately 5–10 minutes. After it is completed, the doctor explains the results and, if necessary, recommends further examination or treatment.

At the «Oxford Medical» medical center, patients can have a consultation with an otolaryngologist with rhinoscopy and receive other necessary medical services in one place. The examination is performed using modern endoscopic equipment, which makes it possible to assess the condition of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx in detail.

You can find out the current cost of an otolaryngologist consultation here. An administrator or doctor during the appointment can provide information about the cost of rhinoscopy. To make an appointment for the examination, call the contact center or use the callback request form.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• US National Library of Medicine

• American Academy of Otolaryngology

• Rhinology Journal