When you have nagging nose and sinus symptoms that don’t improve, you may need to undergo a diagnostic procedure called rhinoscopy. Julie Wendt, MD, and the experienced team at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives in Scottsdale, Arizona, perform rhinoscopy in the office, giving them the ability to view the inside of your nose, accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms, and provide the treatment you need. Call the office today or use online booking to request an appointment and get help for your nose and sinus problems.
Rhinoscopy is a simple, in-office procedure to examine the inside of your nose. Your provider uses a flexible, tube-like instrument called a rhinoscope that’s slender enough to easily go through your nostrils.
The scope is equipped with a light and camera that sends magnified images to a monitor. As your provider guides the scope through your nasal passages, they can examine the tissues and structures in your nose, the openings to your sinuses, and your throat.
Your Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives provider recommends rhinoscopy when needed to diagnose the cause of common symptoms, such as:
The upper respiratory conditions often diagnosed during a rhinoscopy include:
Your provider may also identify nasal tumors during a rhinoscopy.
Before your rhinoscopy, your provider prepares your nose using nasal sprays containing a topical decongestant and anesthetic. The decongestant keeps your nostrils clear and open, while the anesthetic ensures you don’t have discomfort.
You will feel the scope in your nose but shouldn’t have any pain. If you experience pain during the procedure, be sure to tell your provider immediately.
After thoroughly examining your nose, your provider removes the scope and discusses any problems they found.
The anesthetic spray that numbs your nose may also affect your mouth and throat, making it feel like you can’t swallow and possibly causing an unpleasant feeling when you swallow. This sensation improves quickly as the anesthetic wears off.
The next step in your treatment depends on the results of your rhinoscopy. Your Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives provider may recommend medications, allergy testing and treatment, or another procedure such as a balloon sinuplasty or endoscopy.
Balloon sinuplasty uses a similar device that’s specially designed to open blocked sinuses and provide long-lasting relief from chronic sinusitis.
Endoscopy refers to minimally invasive nasal surgery to take care of problems like nasal polyps or a deviated septum. If you need nasal endoscopy, your provider refers you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Call Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives today or request an appointment online to learn more about rhinoscopy.