Exam Overview
An endoscopic sinus exam allows the doctor to see all the
structures inside the nose and the sinuses.
Before inserting the
endoscope, the passages inside the nose are opened up
with a decongestant medicine and numbed with an anesthetic. The endoscope is
guided up through a nostril and into the sinus opening, but it is not able to
be inserted into the sinus itself.
The test is usually done by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT)
specialist (also called an
otolaryngologist or otorhinolaryngologist). It can be
done in the doctor's office and takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Why It Is Done
An endoscopic sinus exam may be used if:
- The diagnosis of
sinusitis is still in doubt after performing X-rays or
a CT scan.
- Initial medical treatment of sinusitis has failed to
solve the problem.
- Surgery is being considered. An endoscopic sinus
exam may be used to evaluate the structures inside the nose where the surgery
will be performed.
Results
Findings of an endoscopic sinus exam may include the
following.
Normal
Bones and soft tissues appear normal.
Abnormal
- Swelling and redness (inflammation) of the
mucous membrane are present.
- The nasal
passages are blocked or have an abnormal size or shape.
- Discolored,
thick mucus is draining from a sinus opening.
- Growths (nasal
polyps) or foreign bodies inside the nose are seen.
- The partition between the nasal cavities is crooked (deviated nasal septum) and is causing obstruction.
What To Think About
An endoscopic sinus exam is the best method of examining the nasal
passages and sinus openings because it can detect small growths in the nose
(polyps) and other problems that may be missed by routine examination.
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Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerPatrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerMartin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine