
Before nasal endoscopy, the doctor may spray the nose with a decongestant and local anesthesia to reduce the congestion and widen the area while stopping the patient from sneezing or discomfort. The patient may return home on the same day after the procedure. A doctor may recommend nasal endoscopy if the patient is having:
- Sinus infections
- Constant drainage from the nose
- Face pain or pressure
- Sinus headaches
- Breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath
- Nose bleeds
- Loss of sense of smell
- Difficulty or inability to swallow
- Voice hoarseness
- A longstanding history of smoking
- Suspected vocal fold lesions
- Tumor surveillance
- To correct a deviated nasal septum
During the procedure, the doctor may:
- Look at the inside of your nose and sinuses
- Take a sample of tissue for a biopsy
- Conduct small surgeries to remove polyps, excess mucus, or other masses
- Remove a foreign object (like a marble) in the nose or sinus
If your doctor takes a tissue biopsy or performs any small procedure, the patient may have mild to moderate pain, which is usually controlled by anesthesia and painkillers. There is a little risk following a nasal endoscopy for most people. They are:
- If the patient has a bleeding disorder or takes blood-thinning medicine, the doctor should be notified so that they are extra careful to decrease bleeding.
- If the patient has heart disease, there is a small risk that they may feel lightheaded or faint.
How is nasal endoscopy performed?
Nasal endoscopy is performed by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon using foot-long equipment, such as a cable-lens. The procedure may take less than 15 minutes; however, if there is any additional surgery required, it may last for 45 minutes. During the procedure, the doctor may:
- Spray your nose with a medicine to reduce swelling and numb the area. Insert the flexible or rigid tube with a camera at the end to look inside the nose and sinuses. Pictures may be projected onto a screen. The doctor may examine the inside of the nose and sinuses and remove pre-existing polyps, mucus, or other masses from the nose or sinuses during endoscopy.
Is the recovery after nasal endoscopy painful?
The recovery time and pain stimulus vary from patient to patient. The recovery is far less painful than traditional sinus surgery, which requires nasal packing. Some patients report no pain and minimal swelling, most have a little pain, and patients can return to their usual activities without any discomfort. Others report having minor, tolerable discomfort and very few have complained that they have significant pain. Most say it feels like a cold with sinus pressure. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication that will alleviate any pain. The patient may recover completely within 3-7 days depending on the type of procedure.

QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top When should a nasal fracture be reduced? Related Articles
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Fractured Growth Plate?
Growth plates are the areas of new bone growth in children and teens. Bone fractures in children heal quickly as compared to adults, but fractures of the growth plate may require several weeks to heal.Nasal Irrigation
Clogged sinuses and congestion bothering you? Nasal irrigation can relieve sinus symptoms associated with colds and allergies. Learn how to do nasal irrigation with this visual guide from WebMD.All About Polyps
Do you know what a polyp is? Learn the definition of a polyp, which can be found in the sinuses, stomach, colon, gallbladder, and elsewhere. Learn about endometrial polyps, adenomatous polyps, sessile polyps, pedunculated polyps, uterine polyps, and cervical polyps. Some are more likely to cause cancer.sodium chloride - intranasal spray (Ocean, Ayr Saline, Humist, NaSal, Little Noses, Ocean)
Sodium chloride intranasal spray (Ocean, Ayr Saline, Humist, NaSal, Little Noses, Ocean for Kids) is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to relieve nasal dryness and congestion. Sodium chloride intranasal spray also is used as a pretreatment for nasal steroid administration. Common side effects include:
- Cough
- Nose irritation
- Sneezing
Drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding information should be reviewed prior to using any OTC product.
What Are the 4 Types of Fractures?
What are the four types of bone fractures? Learn the signs of bone fractures and how doctors treat them.What Your Nose Says About Your Health
Do you smell something no one else does? Is it hard to breathe? Different conditions affect smell and breathing. Use this WebMD slideshow to help you learn what your nose says about health.