Endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx and the larynx (voice box)

Endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx and the larynx (voice box)

The main advantage of this examination is the possibility to carry it out precisely even in hard-to-access areas, as the device adapts to the surface under examination. This makes it quicker and easier to diagnose lesions, if present. In addition, fiberscopy allows the examination to be carried out in cases of swelling and hypertrophy of the mucous membrane, as well as in cases of anatomical changes of the nasal cavity.

Endoscopic examinations of the upper respiratory tract are carried out in a sitting position, with the head resting on a headrest. Then a special device (fiberscope) is inserted into the nose and naso­pharyngeal cavity.

The examination usually does not require any anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia in the form of a spray may be used to eliminate discomfort.

The purpose for carrying the examination

The primary purpose for carrying out the endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx is the assess­ment of the pharyngeal tonsil in children, e.g. when the third tonsil is suspected to be hypertrophied.

Other purposes for carrying out the endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx are:

• diagnosis of snoring,

• suspected tumour of the nasopharynx,

• diagnosis of nasal bleeding,

• diagnosis of chronic rhinitis,

• chronic throat complaints.

Endoscopic examination of the larynx (voice box) involves visualising its structures and detecting pathological changes.

Other purposes for carrying out the endoscopic examination of the larynx are:

• podejrzenie zmian nowotworowych,

• zaburzenia głosu (chrypa, bezgłos, zmiana barwy),

• zaburzenia połykania,

• poczucie ciała obcego w przełyku,

• przewlekłe dolegliwości ze strony gardła,

• choroba refluksowa (refluks krtaniowo-gardłowy).

Contraindications to the examination

There are no specific contraindications to the examination.

The examination is carried out in adults as well as in children from 5 years of age.

Please bring a printed referral from your doctor for the examination. Please take your previous medical records with you if you have had any examinations before.

Due to possible vomiting reflexes, it is not recommended for adults to consume any food or drinks for two hours before the examination. In case of children, it is not recommended to consume any food or drinks for at least one hour before the examination.

Please be prepared for the endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx as follows:

• The nebulisation from an ampoule of saline should be carried out 4 times a day for 2 days prior to the examination. Nebulisation means the administration of the medicine into the nose in the form of an aerosol, using a special inhaler available in pharmacies. In addition, it’s recommended to flush nasal passages several times (4-6 times) during these 2 days with aerosolised sea water solutions.

• Apply mucosal decongestants, e.g. oxymetazoline, 1-2 doses to each nostril, 30 minutes before the examination. These medicines are available over-the-counter.