Rhinoscopy is a nose scan, i.e. an examination that involves examining the nasal cavities. This is an important test, but in more serious ENT diseases, it is increasingly replaced by endoscopy. Find out how rhinoscopy of the nose works.

Rhinoscopyis a basic ENT examination that indicates any abnormalities in the nose. This non-invasive procedure allows you to assess the condition of the nasal canal. The examination does not require special preparation on the part of the patient and can be performed at any time. The rhinoscopy takes only a few minutes, is painless and therefore does not require anesthesia.

Rhinoscopy - indications

The examination can be performed during each visit to the ENT specialist, regardless of the reason for the consultation. Typically, the test is carried out at:

  • suspected curvature of the nasal septum
  • mechanical trauma to the nose
  • suspected sinusitis and recurrent sinusitis
  • suspected nasal polyps
  • neoplastic changes in the structures of the nose
  • suspicion of a foreign body in the nose
  • strong pains covering the nose area

Rhinoscopy - contraindications

Basically there are no contraindications for the test. However, patients should inform their physician about any changes in the spine, especially in the cervical thoracic region or in the area of ​​the thoracic spine. It is important because during the examination the patient has to tilt his head back, which in some diseases may be difficult.

Rhinoscopy - types

  • Anterior rhinoscopy

Anterior rhinoscopy is to see the nasal cavities. The doctor inserts a folded speculum into the nostril, then slightly widens it by lifting up the wings of the nose and using a headlamp (or a mirror and an external light source) to view the inside of the nasal cavity.

With a straight position of the patient's head, the doctor can see the inferior nasal passage, inferior turbinates and the area around the bottom of the nose.

By bending the patient's head back, he can see the upper part of the nasal cavity with the middle nasal passage and the middle turbinate.

In the case of significant swelling of the mucosa, it can first be constricted by putting on setons soaked in, for example, lignocaine with adrenaline.This will result in contraction and local anesthesia of the nasal mucosa, and thus better visibility for the doctor.

  • Posterior rhinoscopy

The posterior rhinoscopy, like the front one, requires the use of a head lamp. Additional tools include a small ENT mirror and a spatula.

The doctor first heats the mirror with a lighter, burner or electric heater so that it does not evaporate and makes sure it is not too warm. Then, by placing the spatula on the tongue, he holds it, and the upward mirror is inserted towards the back of the throat.

Posterior rhinoscopy allows you to see the area of ​​the posterior nostrils, the posterior turbinates and septum, the nasopharynx (including the pharyngeal tonsil (third tonsil) and the mouth of the Eustachian tubes.

The examination is difficult and requires significant cooperation of the patient and the doctor's experience.

Currently, posterior rhinoscopy has largely been replaced by endoscopic examination, which is less stressful for the patient.

If the patient has a strong gag reflex, which makes it difficult to perform the examination properly, the ENT doctor will numb the pharyngeal mucosa.

Rhinoscopy - after the examination

There are no special recommendations for patients after an ENT specialist has performed a rhinoscopy.

It is rare for patients to feel discomfort, pain or so-called pain after the examination. scratchy throat.

People who have undergone anesthesia may experience a slight numbness, but it wears off very quickly.

After the examination, there is no need to clean or blow the nose. Many ENT offices use disposable specula for rhinoscopy.

After the examination, the ENT specialist may also examine the patient's nose. Assess what the skin looks like, what is its color, whether blood vessels are visible, whether there is swelling (after an injury) or not (which often happens in the case of neoplasm originating from the structures of the nose).

The doctor also assesses the condition of the zygomatic bones and the mobility of the eyeballs. It is also important to evaluate the scaffolding of the nose and determine whether the nose is saddle-shaped (often after an injury), humped or crooked.

Rhinoscopy, depending on the identified abnormalities, may be the basis for referring the patient for further tests or developing a treatment plan.

About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St.Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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