Nasoendoscopy

A nasoendoscopy is part of a normal ear, nose and throat examination. It is a procedure to look at the inside and back of the nose. It can also be used to examine the:

• back of the tongue and throat
• voice box

Your doctor passes a thin rigid or flexible tube called a nasoendoscope through your nostril into your nose. The tube has a camera and a bright light at the end so they can check for any abnormal looking areas.

Before your test

There are no special preparations for a nasoendoscopy.

You can eat and drink and take your medicines as normal. 

What happens during a nasendoscopy?

A nasendoscopy usually takes place in an outpatient clinic. It lasts only a few minutes. You will be awake and able to speak to the doctor.

Your doctor passes the nasendoscope into your nose. This can be uncomfortable but does not usually hurt. Your eyes might water, and you might feel like coughing.

Your doctor might ask if you would like a local anaesthetic sprayed in the nose 10 minutes beforehand to numb it.

If your specialist sees an abnormality in your nose, you will probably need to go into hospital for a day to have an endoscopic biopsy under a short general anaesthetic.

After your test

You can usually go home straight after your test. 

If you had the anaesthetic spray, you can’t eat or drink until the anaesthetic wears off and your throat feels normal again. This may take about an hour.