Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoscopy

If you constantly have nasal discharge, sneeze frequently, have post nasal drainage, breath noisily, and / or have nasal polyps then a rhinoscopy may be the best way to find out what’s going on with you. At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we have a number of diagnostic options but in many cases, this is the quickest and easiest option. Read on to get answers to your most frequently asked questions and then reach out to us at 805-658-9500 to set up your appointment.

What is a rhinoscopy?

A rhinoscope is a tiny camera attached to a long, flexible tube. We can use this to look at your nasal passages to see where your sinuses drain. We can also see the back of your throat and your vocal cords. In short, we’re able to do a visual exam of areas that we normally wouldn’t be able to see. It can give us insight into symptoms you’re having that have no obvious cause.

Is rhinoscopy required?

No. However, it can be extremely helpful. With our general instruments, we can see inside your nose but we are limited in what we can see within your nasal cavity itself. We can look for nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, signs of sinusitis, a deviated septum. If you have a cough that won’t go away, you constantly get ear infections, your throat is always irritated, or you have trouble swallowing, then this can be the diagnostic technology you’ve been hoping for.

What should I expect during the exam?

First, we’ll go over the entire procedure so that you know what to expect and so that you can ask any questions. Once we get started, we’ll use a spray to decongest your nose and then another one to numb your nose. When the scope actually goes into your nose, you’ll be able to feel it but it will not hurt. You may have some discomfort during parts of the exam, especially if your nasal passages are smaller than usual.

If you have any pain at all, let us know. While we’re examining you, can breathe either through your nose or mouth until we’re looking at the back of your throat and / or your vocal cords. At that point, we’ll ask you to breath only through your nose and to avoid swallowing.

Is this appropriate for children?

Older children can actually deal with this procedure better than some adults we’ve seen. If you have a small child who needs this procedure, they can sit in your lap while it’s being done.

Will asthma make it difficult to have a rhinoscopy?

No. In fact, we often do rhinoscopies on patients who have asthma if we’re looking for evidence that the symptoms are caused by or exacerbated by an abnormal issue in the vocal cord or larynx area. In some cases, we try to view your airways during an attack so that we can determine the best treatment.

Hopefully this helped answer some of your basic questions about rhinoscopy. Reach out to Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 with any additional questions or to schedule your appointment.