A little nasal congestion, a slightly hoarse voice, or a random nosebleed might seem to be harmless. Most people will ignore such conditions. However, an experienced ENT specialist might smell something serious. This is where the specialist might suggest a nasal scope procedure, also known as nasoendoscopy.
- What is the nasal scope procedure?
A nasal scope is a thin and flexible tube fitted with a light and high-definition camera. This is inserted through the nostril gently to examine the nasal passages, throat and voice box, sinuses, and back of the nose (nasopharynx). The ENT specialist has a direct and magnified view of the interior of the nose and throat.
An ENT specialist in Singapore completes the nasal scope exam in less than a minute. Local anaesthetic spray is used in case the nasal passages are sensitive or narrow. You can browse https://drkhliment.com.sg/ent-nasal-endoscopy-nasoendoscopy/ for details and to find a suitable specialist.
- What problems can the nasal scope exam identify?
The majority of ENT problems start small, without symptoms or with mild symptoms. Issues that the nasal scope exam can identify include chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis-related swelling, nasal polyps, vocal cord nodules, or early-stage nasal or throat cancers. When these problems are detected early, they can be treated effectively and easily.
In Southeast Asia, including Singapore, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is not uncommon. With nasoendoscopy, ENT specialists can detect changes in the nasopharynx early, even before any symptoms.
- Who should go for a nasal scope?
People suffering from chronic cough without a cause, unexplained or recurrent nosebleeds, should not overlook it. Other conditions worth attention is persistent nasal blockage on one side, hoarseness for more than 2 weeks. If you get frequent sinus infections or a sensation of a lump in the throat, go for a nasal scope exam. People who have a family history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma or other ENT cancers must go through this screening.
- Simple procedure of nasal scope exam
The ENT specialist prepares the patient for the procedure by explaining the details and checking the nasal passages. An anaesthetic spray is optional to make the process comfortable.
The surgeon will insert the device into your nose. They will check the high-definition images on a monitor. They look for abnormal growths, infections, inflammation, or structural problems. Patients receive immediate report and feedback, followed by necessary steps like biopsies, scans, etc. The whole process takes typically 5 minutes to complete.
The nasal scope exam doesn’t help only in diagnosis, but also offers guided treatment. For instance, if a foreign object is detected, it can be removed during the procedure. Patients can resume their normal life right after the procedure. There might be mild side effects, which resolve within an hour.
In Singapore, nasal endoscopy is covered by your health insurance or by Medisave.
Final words
The nasal scope procedure is safe and quick, and it uncovers ENT issues that might remain unnoticed otherwise. If overlooked, they become serious and more expensive to treat. If you suffer from recurring ENT problems, contact trusted ENT specialists without delay.
