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Health

Rhinoscopy

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Rhinoscopy is a method of examining the nasal cavity using special mirrors. This procedure allows you to see pathologies and changes.

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Indications for rhinoscopy

Indications - diagnostic studies carried out in the nasal cavity. In essence, this is a standard ENT study. Most patients are advised to undergo anterior rhinoscopy. The main indications for the study are constant bleeding from the nose, for an unknown reason. It is difficult to determine what caused the problem, so it is necessary to carefully examine the nasal passages.

It is used for sinusitis, rhinitis, hay fever. It is widely used for curvature of the nasal septum. Indications for use may be facial and cranial injuries. Polyps, adenoids and headaches of unclear etiology become the reason for this study.

The most difficult procedure is posterior rhinoscopy. It is performed only in the presence of mucosal edema, tonsils and hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils. Children often experience fear of it, so it is not so easy to perform. Therefore, it is recommended for children to simply palpate the nasopharynx, without using mirrors.

If any disease of the upper respiratory tract occurs, it is necessary to resort to a special examination. It includes an examination of the larynx, nose, mouth. First, the specialist must feel everything, examine the color and integrity of the integuments. If this does not give any result, and does not help to get a general picture of the disease, special equipment is used.

Preparation for rhinoscopy

Preparation for rhinoscopy does not require any additional measures. The doctor simply needs to mentally prepare the person for this procedure. To do this, the course of the procedure itself is explained, and the basic rules of behavior during the endoscopic examination are voiced. In order to improve the quality of diagnostics, it is necessary to resort to the use of effective anesthesia.

The mucous membrane is sprayed with a special agent that has an anti-edematous and analgesic effect. This will allow a person to avoid discomfort and pronounced tissue swelling. If a routine examination is planned, then Lidocaine is taken. If the doctor plans to perform surgery, then, naturally, it is advisable to use general anesthesia.

During the examination itself, patients must completely relax, otherwise discomfort will arise. In some cases, the doctor changes the position of the person's head during the manipulation. The patient should worry less and not make any sudden movements. If there is strong fear, unexpected pain, it is necessary to inform the doctor about it. Rhinoscopy is a popular procedure that allows you to determine otolaryngological pathologies.

Technique of performing rhinoscopy

The technique of rhinoscopy is complex and is performed exclusively by a doctor. The main instrument is a rhinoscope. It is a complex piece of equipment. It consists of two tubes, one of which is inserted into the nasopharynx and the other is used for examination.

This device has many modifications. They differ in the length of the inserted part. There are differences in diameter, as well as the viewing angle. In children, it is carried out using ear funnels. In older children, a special glass with a small diameter is inserted. If the examination is carried out on a small child, then two doctors participate in it. One should examine, the other should hold the baby so that he does not make unnecessary movements.

A special anesthetic is applied to the nasal mucosa, usually Lidocaine. First, the patient's head is fixed. To do this, the specialist must place his right hand on the patient's occipital region. Then, slowly begin to insert the speculum into the nose (in a closed position). The distance depends on the suspected disease, usually it is from 3 to 20 mm. The cheeks of the speculum are slowly moved apart so as not to cause pain to the person. Then, the examination begins. If a good examination cannot be carried out, a probe is used.

Endoscopic rhinoscopy

It is a medical and diagnostic procedure that allows examining the structures of the nose. This technique allows for minimally invasive procedures. Modern specialists often resort to this technique.

Endoscopy is really effective. Thanks to it, detection of mucous membrane pathologies becomes real. Even some microsurgical operations are performed using this technique. This is really a breakthrough in modern medicine.

To perform it, endoscopic equipment is used, naturally, modern. It is worth noting that rhinoscopy includes several types. Often, preference is given to anterior and posterior examination.

Endoscopy in the nose should be performed exclusively by specialists. They should understand how it is done and be able to really help a person, not harm. If you follow all the rules, then the patient's health will not be threatened. Such a study is very informative.

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Anterior rhinoscopy

Includes two positions for carrying out this procedure. Thus, the first option is characterized by examination of the anterior sections of the bottom of the nasopharynx, septum, common and lower nasal passages, as well as the anterior end of the inferior concha. This will allow you to assess the condition of the nasal passages and notice existing pathologies.

The mucous membrane is lubricated with special means that constrict the vessels. This allows the back of the nasopharynx to be examined. In the second position, the person needs to throw back his head. This will allow the specialist to examine the middle concha and the nasal passage. The middle part of the septum and the ethmoid vesicle are clearly visible.

It is not that complicated. But still, it requires some moral preparation. A person may be scared and unpleasant, but it cannot be avoided. Naturally, if the doctor is going to perform a surgical intervention, then general anesthesia is used. In general, the procedure is carried out solely based on special indications.

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Posterior rhinoscopy

It can be used to examine the posterior nasal cavity. In order to conduct the examination, you will have to use a special spatula. Thanks to it, the tongue is pressed in, and the mirror must be carefully inserted with the other hand.

To prevent a person from being tormented by the gag reflex, which occurs quite often, the patient should relax. In addition, he needs to breathe through the nose and at the same time open his mouth wide. This will allow the soft palate to hang down, which will allow the nasopharynx to be examined. If vomiting still begins, it is advisable to irrigate the mucous membrane with local anesthesia. This will stop the persistent gag reflex.

When using it, a fiberscope is used. Sometimes a tip is used, at the end of which there is an illuminator. Usually, almost every doctor working with optics has such a miracle invention. When introducing a fiberscope, an examination of the vomer, pharynx and pharyngeal pockets is performed. The soft palate and nasal conchae can be viewed.

Direct rhinoscopy

It is no different from the front one. Moreover, this is it. As stated above, the procedure has two main positions of implementation. The first method is characterized by a light examination of the septum, the front parts of the nasopharynx. It allows you to thoroughly examine the nasal passages.

During this process, it is possible to examine the back wall of the nasal part of the pharynx. Before this, it is advisable to irrigate the mucous membrane with vasoconstrictors. The second position requires special fixation of the head. The person needs to tilt it back. In this position, it is possible to examine the middle section of the septum. The middle nasal passage and the ethmoid vesicle are examined.

It is one of the simplest. It does not cause any particular discomfort to a person. A person just needs to relax and not be afraid. The mucous membrane is treated with a special anesthetic, which practically eliminates the possibility of pain.

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Medium rhinoscopy

It assumes the same position as the anterior version of the examination. It is performed using a mirror, which is inserted into the nasal passages. Moreover, this is done exclusively in a closed form. To remove unpleasant symptoms, it is worth lubricating the mucous membrane with vasoconstrictors.

When the mirror is inserted, the valves are slowly moved apart. This pushes back the middle concha. This allows for a thorough examination of the nasal passage. This procedure is very effective. It allows for a complete examination of the nasopharynx.

If the mirror is inserted between the middle concha and the septum itself, the entire olfactory region is in the field of view. It is worth noting that it is complex and requires special preparation. At the same time, it brings discomfort. There is no need to prepare for the procedure.

Retrograde rhinoscopy

This is a complete analogue of the posterior examination. Simply put, this is just the second name of the procedure. This examination is carried out to examine the nasopharynx. To do this, the doctor must take a spatula, press the tongue down and begin inserting the nasopharyngeal mirror with his right hand. It is important to warm it up in advance. The insertion is done with the mirror side and is carried out almost to the back wall.

To avoid the gag reflex, the patient should be calmed down. Moreover, he himself should start breathing through the nose with the mouth wide open. At the same time, the soft palate relaxes and hangs down. This allows you to see the nasopharynx well. If the gag reflex is strong, it is recommended to lubricate the mucous membrane with special preparations.

In some cases, a fibroscope is used to perform the procedure. Sometimes a special tip can perform its role. This allows for a complete examination of the nasopharynx.

Performing a rhinoscopy on a child

Rhinoscopy of a child is performed in a certain order. It is worth noting that only the anterior type of examination is used for the study. If anterior rhinoscopy is performed on a young child, the doctor's assistant should pick him up. Then press his body to himself with one hand. At the same time, the child's hand is fixed. Meanwhile, the doctor holds the head with his hand. It is important to take the correct position.

Other methods are not used. As for older children, it is enough to simply fix their head and begin inserting a closed speculum. But the child must be calmed down. Because it can frighten them. It is desirable for the parents to be present. Anesthetic must be applied to the mucous membrane. This will help to avoid unpleasant sensations. If the child is very scared and a strange pain appears, it is necessary to stop the procedure. In general, this is real stress for the baby. Even despite the fact that only a mild form of examination is carried out. Therefore, it is better to start preparing for it in advance. It is easier to conduct an examination on a baby, because due to his age, he does not understand what is happening. With children who consciously go to the hospital with their parents, this is not so easy.

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Rhinoscopy norm

The norm consists of special anatomical characteristics. Thus, the soft palate should normally be mobile, the left and right sides should be symmetrical. When examining the mucous membrane, close attention is paid to the color and surface. Thus, the mucous membrane is normally smooth, pink, as for the arches, they are contoured.

As for the tonsils, or rather the mucous membrane, it should be pink and moist. The surface is smooth, the mouths of the lacunae are closed, there is no secreted "material" in them. Normally, there is no content in the crypts or it is scanty.

When examining the mucous membrane of the back wall of the pharynx, attention is paid to the color and surface. So, normally it is pink, smooth, moist, with visible rare lymphoid granules on the surface.

The vault of the nasopharynx in adults should be free. As for the mucous membrane, its color is pink. The nasal conchae also have a pink tint, and the surface is smooth, the nasal passages are completely free.

Complications after rhinoscopy

Complications after rhinoscopy are usually not observed. This is not such a complicated procedure as it may seem at first glance. If it is performed correctly, there can be no problems. This method of examination is highly valued. Therefore, it is important to save the results.

It is important to simply find a good clinic and arrange for the examination. This will protect against unpleasant complications. In fact, nothing terrible can happen after the procedure. The maximum is damage to the mucous membrane due to improper insertion of closed mirrors. In order to avoid trouble, it is enough to follow all the doctor's instructions. As mentioned above, this should be a specialist who understands the essence of this method.

A person is capable of causing harm to himself. Therefore, much depends on the patient. If he does not perform unnecessary movements and interfere with the procedure, no complications will arise.

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Where to get a rhinoscopy?

Naturally, many people are interested in the question of where to do a rhinoscopy. So, there are special clinics for its implementation. It is enough to simply call and make an appointment. In some cases, a referral is required, but all these nuances are discussed directly with each medical institution separately.

  • The Healthy Tonsils clinic has a good reputation. It performs rhinoscopy and eliminates the main pathologies of the nasopharynx. The institution is located at the address: 02068, Kyiv, Anna Akhmatova St., 30.
  • It is also worth paying attention to the Stolichnaya Clinic. It is located at the address: Kyiv, Lepse Street, 4a (on the basis of the "Gipppokrat Clinic"). Near the Shulyavskaya metro station.
  • You can also seek help from the family medicine clinic "Healthy Family". It is located at the address: Kruglouniversitetskaya St., 3-5 (Pechersky District, center).
  • You can get a consultation and undergo the procedure at the Avesana medical center. It is located at the address: Kyiv, Berdichevskaya St. 1, 1st floor (entrance from Degtyarevskaya St.). Two minutes from the Lukyanovskaya metro station.
  • High-quality and fast help is provided in the medical clinic "Gippokrat". It is located at the address: Kiev, Center - Gorky st., 155, Podil - Shchekavitska st., 36, Troyeshchyna, Lavrukhina st., 6, Vinogradar - Porika st., 9a), V. Hetmana st. 1 (metro station Shulyavska).

Price of rhinoscopy

The price of rhinoscopy may vary depending on the location of the clinic. Naturally, the price category is affected by the qualifications of the specialists and the complexity of the situation. Therefore, it is better not to save on this procedure. In general, this should not be done, especially when it comes to health.

Its cost is considered expensive. Thus, for the examination you will have to pay from 500 hryvnia. Much depends on the specialization of the clinic and its profile. In general, the procedure can reach 1000 hryvnia.

In multidisciplinary medical institutions, the cost can reach up to 2 thousand hryvnia. In any case, when choosing a particular clinic, it is worth starting from the existing problem and indications for which it is required. As stated above, you should not save on your own health. Therefore, you need to choose a clinic solely based on the quality of services provided. Capital medical institutions meet all quality standards.

Reviews of Rhinoscopy

Reviews of rhinoscopy can be both positive and negative. Here, everything depends on many criteria. So, if you leave a review based on general impressions, they are not very good. Of course, because during the procedure, a person feels discomfort. Therefore, the study does not bring him a positive result. From a health point of view, yes, but based on sensations, no. Therefore, many reviews are unfavorable.

If we consider this issue from the point of view of improving health, then the reviews are exclusively positive. Such a study allows you to carefully examine the nasopharynx and identify the main pathologies in it. Thanks to the technique, it will be possible to eliminate existing problems and make a person's life easier. After all, it is not always possible to establish the presence of a problem by visual inspection without the use of special equipment. Rhinoscopy allows you to quickly identify the problem and solve it. It is stupid to consider this procedure from the point of view of reviews. As mentioned above, they are negative due to unpleasant sensations and positive due to the help provided.

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