Rhinoscopy

Fiberoptic rhinoscopy is a quick, inexpensive means to evaluate the upper airway. First, our clinical staff spray a decongestant into your nose to open up the nasal passages. A local anesthetic is also used to make sure the procedure isn’t too uncomfortable. The physician then inserts the thin, flexible scope into your nostrils and visualizes the structures of the airway all the way down to the larynx. Our Greenfield office rhinoscopy suite is set up so that you have the option to watch video from the scope and have the physician explain findings in real time if you would like!

In-office rhinoscopy has several advantages for patients

The quick procedure can detect any obstruction, persistent infections, sinus drainage, evidence of reflux, or problems with the vocal cords
Rhinoscopy can often avoid the need for a much more expensive CT scan and eliminate the need to be exposed to radiation
Our physicians will determine if a particular problem may require surgical intervention, and refer to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician if appropriate. Patients can avoid having to schedule another appointment with the ENT only to be told that they do not have a surgical problem

Specific conditions evaluated by rhinoscopy

Vocal cord problems can often be involved in chronic cough, giving allergists who do rhinoscopy the unique ability to diagnose the cause of chronic cough in many patients. Other potential causes of chronic cough can also be visualized by fiberoptic rhinoscopy throughout the upper airway.

Nasal polyps can cause patients to be miserable, and they are notorious for growing back. Most patients willing to have surgical polyp removal have had to return for additional surgery anywhere from two to ten times! Fortunately, several very effective treatments for nasal polyps have come to the market in the last few years. Fiberoptic rhinoscopy allows the allergist to not only evaluate nasal polyps initially but also to monitor the effectiveness of treatment over time.

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Specific conditions evaluated by rhinoscopy