Rhinoscopy is the examination of the nasal passages using a rhinoscope, which allows medical professionals to see inside the nose and determine the cause of any discomfort. It can be performed for various symptoms, including runny nose, noisy breathing, and foreign objects in the nose. It can also be used as a preventative measure. The procedure is usually non-invasive and painless, but complications can occur. It is typically performed by trained professionals.
From the Greek root rhinos, meaning “of the nose,” rhinoscopy is the examination of the nasal passages, which is often administered with a rhinoscope. This technology allows medical professionals to actually see inside the nose and can be very helpful in determining the cause of any nasal discomfort. This procedure is usually non-invasive and painless. The rhinoscope is a small viewfinder inserted into the nasal passage that transmits an image to the doctor. Some rhinoscopes have stiff necks, but many are more flexible and allow room for removal or extraction tools.
There are several reasons why a healthcare professional may perform a rhinoscopy. A nose with severe runny nose or a person with noisy breathing might be examined by rhinoscopy in an attempt to find out the root cause. Other symptoms that require a rhinoscopy include excessive sneezing, bleeding or swelling from the nose, or the presence of a foreign object in the nose. The procedure is usually common among children under the age of 4, who may end up with small toys or rocks up their noses.
Doctors, surgeons and even veterinarians can administer rhinoscopy to their patients. In fact, endoscopic rhinoscopies are quite common in veterinary offices due to the variety of debris that can get caught in the noses of cats, dogs, and other pets. People of any age may also need a rhinoscopy if they experience chronic or painful symptoms.
A rhinoscopy can also be given as a preventative measure: Performing a rhinoscopy can draw a doctor’s attention to problems in the nasal cavity that may not yet have symptoms. If a problem is identified early, it can save the patient money, time and possibly pain. There are two ways a rhinoscopy is normally performed. During an anterior procedure, the rhinoscope is inserted through the nose, and in a posterior procedure, it is inserted through the mouth to view the back of the nasal passage. Both of these rhinoscopies can be done in combination with a computed tomography (CT) scan and a dental exam.
These procedures are typically performed only by trained professionals. While the chances of complications are very small, they do exist. Some inflammation or nasal blockages can be further irritated by a rhinoscopy, no matter how noninvasive it may be. Talking to a doctor about the procedure and possible complications is generally recommended, as well as disclosing any past nasal problems.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
