ENT’s and Endoscopy

An important part of why a patient is referred to an ENT is for endoscopy.  An endoscope is an instrument that is used to visualize parts of the body which are not usually visible to the naked eye.  An ENT uses endoscopes to observe the nose and throat which aid in making diagnoses. Certain types of endoscopes can even slow down the vibration of the vocal cords to examine their movement.  

Many patients are very nervous about having anything put in their nose or in their throat because they think they will gag or even throw up.  This is almost NEVER the case.  We use very short acting topical numbing and decongestant sprays in the nose and throat to reduce the sensation and make the scope more tolerable.  

Although it is not the most pleasant experience having a scope done, it is usually very quick (usually 1-2 minutes).  Every one of the doctors at ENT and Allergy have had a scope done on themselves, so we know what it feels like.  It is usually the anxiety over having a scope done that is worse than the actual procedure itself!