An endoscope is a flexible telescope i.e. a thin tube with a camera and/or light on the end. A flexible nasal endoscopy involves passing an endoscope through one of your nostrils to examine the inside and back of your nose, the back of your throat, your voice box and tongue.
During the endoscopy, you will be awake and will be able to breathe in and out through your nose and mouth. You may be asked to swallow, breathe through your nose, say some words/make noises out loud or puff out your cheeks to assist with diagnosis. Overall, the procedure only takes a few minutes and can be done with or without local anaesthetic. If anaesthetic is used, it will be administered 10 minutes before the procedure, and it may take up to an hour for your nose and throat to feel normal again afterwards. During this time, you should not eat or drink until normal sensation has returned.
This is a very safe procedure for both adults and children. It may cause children to hold their breath so, for children, it will be carried out in an environment with nurses and equipment to help with their breathing.
There may be slight discomfort in the nose, a feeling of something in your throat, your eyes may water, or you may be triggered to cough. On some occasions, you may experience a nosebleed after an endoscopy.
You may be asked to wear a mask to catch any airborne aerosols or droplets that may be produced if you sneeze or cough during the procedure.
