What diseases can be detected by nasal endoscopy

The diseases that can be detected by nasal endoscopy mainly include chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, nasal and sinus tumors, and deviated nasal septum. Nasal endoscopy is a commonly used examination method in otolaryngology, which can clearly observe the lesions in the nasal cavity and sinus openings.

1. Chronic rhinitis:

Nasal endoscopy can visually observe symptoms such as congestion, swelling, pallor, and edema of the nasal mucosa. Chronic rhinitis is usually caused by recurrent episodes of acute rhinitis, environmental stimuli, or allergic factors. Patients often experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and decreased sense of smell. In terms of treatment, doctors may suggest to use drugs such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, budesonide nasal spray or hydroxymethylazoline hydrochloride spray to alleviate inflammation, and at the same time, pay attention to avoid contact with dust and irritating gases.

2. Sinusitis:

Nasal endoscopy can observe purulent secretions or mucosal edema at the openings of the nasal sinuses such as the middle nasal passage and olfactory cleft. Sinusitis is often caused by bacterial or viral infections, or abnormal nasal structure leading to poor drainage. Patients often experience headaches, facial pain, purulent nasal discharge, and nasal congestion. Treatment can follow the doctor's advice to use drugs such as amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablets, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or eucalyptus enteric coated soft capsules, combined with physiological saline to flush the nasal cavity, which can help improve symptoms.

3. Nasal polyps:

Smooth, gray white or light red lychee like new growths can be seen on one or both sides of the nasal cavity under nasal endoscopy. Nasal breath is often associated with chronic inflammation, allergic reactions, or aspirin intolerance, and patients may experience persistent nasal congestion, snoring, loss of smell, and so on. Smaller polyps can be controlled by fluticasone propionate nasal spray. Larger polyps or those with no effect on drug treatment usually need surgical resection.

4. Nasal and sinus tumors:

Nasal endoscopy can detect abnormal hyperplasia, ulcers, or cauliflower like tumors in the nasal cavity or sinuses. Benign tumors such as papillomas and malignant tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma. The etiology of tumors is not yet clear, and may be related to HPV infection, long-term exposure to chemicals such as sawdust or nickel. Patients may only present with unilateral nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or facial numbness in the early stages. Diagnosis requires biopsy and pathological examination, with surgical resection as the main treatment, and postoperative radiation therapy or chemotherapy depending on the situation.

5. Nasal septum deviation:

Nasal endoscopy can directly observe the curvature of the nasal septum cartilage or bone towards one or both sides, leading to nasal asymmetry. Nasal septal deviation is often caused by developmental abnormalities or trauma. Patients often experience unilateral or bilateral nasal congestion, recurrent nosebleeds, headaches, and reflexive symptoms such as sneezing. Patients with mild and asymptomatic deviation do not need to be treated. When symptoms significantly affect breathing or cause sinusitis, nasal septum correction surgery can be considered to improve ventilation. Before performing a nasal endoscopy, there is usually no need for special preparation, but the doctor should be informed of any history of hypertension, heart disease, or anticoagulant medication before the examination. After examination, a small number of people may experience mild nosebleeds or nasal discomfort, which can generally be relieved on their own. Keeping the nasal cavity moist in daily life, avoiding forcefully blowing and digging the nose, can help reduce the occurrence of nasal diseases.