Endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx

The primary indication for nasopharyngeal endoscopy is the evaluation of the pharyngeal tonsil in children, such as when third tonsil hypertrophy is suspected.

Other indications for the examination:

• snoring diagnosis,
• suspected nasopharyngeal cancer,
• nosebleed diagnosis,
• chronic rhinitis diagnosis,
• chronic throat ailments.

Contraindications to the examination:

• no specific contraindications to perform the examination.

It is important to prepare for the examination.

For the 2 days preceding the examination, nebulisation with a saline vial should be performed 4 times a day. Nebulisation is the administration of medicine in the form of aerosol into the nose, using a special inhaler available at pharmacies.

In addition, it is recommended to clean the nasal passages several times (4-6 times) over these 2 days with aerosol seawater solutions.

30 minutes before the examination, apply over-the-counter mucosal decongestants into the nose (e.g. oxymetazoline, 1-2 doses to each nostril).

Because of possible gag reflexes, it is recommended that adults do not eat and drink for 2 hours before the examination.

Children must not eat or drink for at least 1 hour before the examination.