![Nasal endoscopy or rhinoscopy is not a painful procedure; however, it may be slightly uncomfortable.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/endoscopy-2.jpg?output-quality=75)
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.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/allergy/allergy-s1.jpg)
QUESTION
Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top Is a nasal endoscopy painful? Related Articles
cocaine
Cocaine is an ester anesthetic used topically to numb the mucous membranes of the oral, nasal and laryngeal cavities during procedures or surgeries in or through the nasal cavities. Common side effects from systemic absorption of cocaine include high blood pressure (hypertension), rapid heart rate (tachycardia), sinus tachycardia, slow heart rate (bradycardia), ECG abnormalities, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), and others. Cocaine is a highly addictive substance, and misuse/abuse of cocaine can lead to dependence, addiction, overdose, convulsions, unconsciousness, coma, and death.Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.How Do You Use Nasal Packing for Epistaxis?
Nasal packing may be “anterior” nasal packing that is done by using a gauze inserted inside the nasal cavity after numbing the nasal area. The doctor will douse the gauze in an antibiotic ointment and a medication that squeezes the blood vessels shut.ipratropium
Ipratropium is a medication used to relieve runny nose and nasal inflammation (rhinitis) caused by colds and allergies, and as a bronchodilator to relieve bronchospasm and ease breathing in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Common side effects of intranasal ipratropium include headache, upper respiratory tract infection (URI), nasal bleeding (epistaxis), throat inflammation (pharyngitis), and others. Common side effects of intranasal ipratropium include bronchial inflammation (bronchitis), exacerbation of COPD, sinus inflammation (sinusitis), shortness of breath (dyspnea), cough, flulike symptoms, back pain, and others.Nasal Allergy Slideshow
Nasal allergies are a common problem that affects millions of people. An allergist can recommend the best allergy nasal sprays and other medications to treat allergy symptoms. OTC allergy nasal sprays, prescription nasal sprays for allergies, and other treatments are available.Nasal Allergy Relief
Learn how a combination of medication, preventing allergens, and allergy relief products can reduce allergy symptoms and help you feel better.