No one wants to hear they need a medical test. But the good news is that a nasal endoscopy is a straightforward procedure performed in your doctor’s office, and it doesn’t require any down time.
Nasal endoscopy can help with problems, like:
Dr. Vandana Kumra provides positive, patient-centric care at her ear, nose, and throat practice in New York City. Here, she shares these insights into nasal endoscopy and how to prepare for your appointment.
During a nasal endoscopy, Dr. Kumra uses a tool called an endoscope to examine your nasal and sinus cavities. This device has a long tube with a light and camera on one end.
To perform the assessment, Dr. Kumra puts the endoscope into your nose and guides it through your nasal and sinus region while looking at the images it captures and displays on a monitor nearby.
Dr. Kumra can also use a nasal endoscopy to perform some procedures, such as:
In most cases, a nasal endoscopy only takes a few minutes, and you shouldn’t feel any discomfort.
A nasal endoscopy requires few, if any, preparations, but it does come with a few side effects, risks, or complications.
Before your appointment, tell Dr. Kumra if you take any medications, vitamins, or supplements. She could recommend not taking certain items before your procedure, and she provides instructions on a case-by-case basis.
Otherwise, you can usually eat and drink normally before a nasal endoscopy.
When you have a nasal endoscopy, you sit upright in the exam chair throughout the entire process.
To prepare you for the assessment, Dr. Kumra sprays a topical anesthetic and decongestant inside your nose. These medications numb the area and reduce swelling, helping the endoscope pass smoothly through your nasal and sinus cavities.
After you become numb, Dr. Kumra inserts the endoscope in one nostril to start viewing the area. She does this several times, which allows her to see different parts of your sinuses and nasal cavity. Then, she repeats the process on the other side.
Dr. Kumra can share the results of your nasal endoscopy immediately and create a treatment strategy, if needed. However, if she notices anything suspicious during your nasal endoscopy and takes a biopsy, it can take longer to receive your results. Dr. Kumra could also recommend additional testing, like a CT scan.
You can go home immediately after your assessment and return to activities right away. However, you should contact Dr. Kumra if you experience a persistent nosebleed.
If you have persistent head, face, nose, or sinus problems, don’t let your worries about a nasal endoscopy keep you from finding answers. Contact Vandana Kumra, MD, to schedule a consultation by calling 646-859-6136 or booking online today.
