Nasal endoscopy
nasal endoscopy · nasopharyngoscopy · rhinoscopy · nose camera exam
An ENT doctor looks inside your nose and the back of your nose with a thin tube that has a camera.
For a long-lasting runny or blocked nose, nosebleeds, snoring, possible polyps or adenoids, or after a nose injury.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 to 10 minutes; the doctor tells you the result right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Prep. Usually none. You can eat and drink.
- Before the exam. Blow your nose. Do not use decongestant drops on your own before the exam, unless your doctor says so.
What to bring
- Your referral, if you have one
- Past sinus images and ENT reports
How it goes
- You sit in a chair with your head tilted back a little
- A spray or cotton with medicine is put in your nose to numb it and reduce swelling
- After a few minutes, the doctor puts a thin tube into your nose
- The nasal passages and the back of the nose are checked, with the image on a screen
- The tube is removed
What you'll feel
- Coolness and numbness from the spray, sometimes a bitter taste in the throat
- Pressure in the nose and an urge to sneeze
- Watery eyes. That is normal
Afterwards
- The numbness wears off in 15 to 30 minutes
- You can go about your day right away
- The doctor usually explains what they saw right away
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A nosebleed that does not stop within 15 to 20 minutes: call emergency services
Common questions
Does it hurt?
Usually not, since the nose is numbed. It feels unpleasant, but bearable.
Can a child have it?
Yes, there are thin tubes for children. Your child needs to sit still. A parent usually stays close.