Endoscopic sinus exam for sinusitis

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Exam Overview

An endoscopic sinus exam allows the doctor to see all the structures inside the nose and the sinuses.

Before inserting the endoscope, the passages inside the nose are opened up with a decongestant medicine and numbed with an anesthetic. The endoscope is guided up through a nostril and into the sinus opening, but it is not able to be inserted into the sinus itself.

The test is usually done by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist (also called an otolaryngologist or otorhinolaryngologist). It can be done in the doctor's office and takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Why It Is Done

An endoscopic sinus exam may be used if:

• The diagnosis of sinusitis is still in doubt after performing X-rays or a CT scan.
• Initial medical treatment of sinusitis has failed to solve the problem.
• Surgery is being considered. An endoscopic sinus exam may be used to evaluate the structures inside the nose where the surgery will be performed.

Results

Findings of an endoscopic sinus exam may include the following.

Normal

Bones and soft tissues appear normal.

Abnormal

• Swelling and redness (inflammation) of the mucous membrane are present.
• The nasal passages are blocked or have an abnormal size or shape.
• Discolored, thick mucus is draining from a sinus opening.
• Growths (nasal polyps) or foreign bodies inside the nose are seen.

What To Think About

An endoscopic sinus exam is the best method of examining the nasal passages and sinus openings because it can detect small growths in the nose (polyps) and other problems that may be missed by routine examination.

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Credits

Last updated:	August 15, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC