Nasofibroscopy

Nasofibroscopy

Nasofibroscopy: know everything before you have it done

If you’re about to take the exam or want to clear your doubts for other reasons, take advantage of this article and learn more about the subject!

What is nasofibroscopy?

Nasofibroscopy, also known as nasofibrolaryngoscopy, is an endoscopic examination used to analyze the structures of the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx and vocal cords.

It is a non-invasive test that can diagnose a variety of diseases and abnormalities. Nasofibroscopy uses a nasofibroscope, a flexible cannula with a microcamera at one end. This camera may (or may not) be connected to a monitor, providing a clear and detailed view of the areas in question.

If you still have doubts about what nasofibroscopy is, you should know that it is one of the most accurate and complete tests for assessing the upper airways.

Because it allows real-time visualization of the internal structures of the nose and throat, the exam is considered fundamental for the early diagnosis of diseases that often don’t show up on conventional imaging tests.

Unsure about the test? Talk to your ENT specialist and find out how nasofibroscopy can accurately clarify your symptoms.

When is the test indicated?

This test is indicated for children from the age of 2.
Nasofibroscopy is a versatile tool in the hands of the otorhinolaryngologist. Among the many situations in which this test can be essential, the following stand out:

Nasofibroscopy is also widely requested for patients who use their voices excessively, such as teachers, singers and announcers, precisely because of its ability to detect alterations in the vocal folds.

It is also valuable for persistent sore throats, chronic throat clearing or a “cake in the throat” sensation – symptoms that often stem from reflux.

Do you have persistent respiratory, vocal or digestive symptoms? Nasofibroscopy could be the way to a clear and reliable diagnosis.

How is nasofibroscopy performed?

Before undergoing the nasofibroscopy examination, it is important that the patient fasts for at least two hours to avoid discomfort such as reflux and nausea. In addition, before starting the procedure, the professional in charge can use a local anesthetic to avoid discomfort in the patient’s nostrils.

The patient then remains seated while the doctor inserts the device through the nostril and starts analyzing the images via a monitor.

If necessary, the doctor can perform a biopsy of the affected area, taking a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis.

The procedure is quick and done in the doctor’s office. It usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes.

During the examination, the patient can talk to the doctor and report symptoms that are being reproduced at the time, such as nasal obstruction or a feeling of secretion in the throat. This helps to make the diagnosis even more accurate.

Want to know how the exam works in practice? Talk to the team at Instituto Medicina em Foco and get all your questions answered before you book.

Who can request a nasofibroscopy?

The nasofibroscopy examination should be recommended by a doctor, usually an ENT specialist, but it can also be requested by speech therapists, pulmonologists, allergists and even gastroenterologists, depending on the patient’s clinical condition.

It is common for this test to be requested in situations such as:

• Difficulty breathing with no clear cause.
• Chronic cough and no improvement with common treatment.
• Follow-up after nasal or throat surgery.
• Investigating pharyngolaryngeal reflux.
• Preoperative assessment of vocal or sleep disorders.

This wide range of indications reinforces the importance of nasofibroscopy as a multi-professional examination that helps with diagnosis and therapeutic planning in various areas of medicine.

Do you have persistent symptoms? Ask your doctor for a full assessment and see if nasofibroscopy can clarify your diagnosis.

Nasofibroscopy and speech therapy: when to work together?

Speech therapists and otorhinolaryngologists often work together in cases of speech, voice or swallowing disorders. Nasofibroscopy is used both for diagnosis and for monitoring speech therapies.

With this test, it’s possible:

• Evaluate the function of the vocal cords during speech.
• Check for muscle tension or poor vibration.
• Analyze swallowing with liquids or pasty foods (nasofibroscopy with swallowing test).
• Monitor the response to speech therapy treatment.

Are you seeing a speech therapist? Talk to your professional about the importance of nasofibroscopy for more effective treatment.

Do you need any preparation for nasofibroscopy?

Nasofibroscopy does not require complex preparation. However, some basic guidelines help to ensure greater comfort and precision:

• Avoid eating for 2 hours before the test.
• If you use decongestants, tell your doctor.
• Inform us if you have a history of allergies to anesthetics.
• In the case of acute respiratory illnesses (flu, severe rhinitis), the test can be postponed.

After the procedure, the patient can resume normal activities, including driving, working and eating.

Clarify your doubts about the preparation and have your nasofibroscopy in peace and safety.

What can the doctor see during nasofibroscopy?

During the nasofibroscopy examination, the ENT specialist can clearly see the anatomy of the nasal cavities, the back of the throat and the larynx, identifying structural or inflammatory changes that don’t appear on traditional imaging tests.

Common findings include:

• Enlargement of the nasal conchae (turbinate hypertrophy).
• Polyps or suspicious masses.
• Chronic allergic rhinitis.
• Changes in vocal fold mobility.
• Acid reflux inflammation.
• Abnormal accumulation of secretions.

In addition, the doctor can compare the two sides of the nasal cavities, analyze the functioning of the internal and external nasal valve and accurately assess the location of the obstruction in cases of apnea.

Nasofibroscopy offers a detailed, real-time view of the airways. Take the test and understand what is happening to you.

How to interpret the results of nasofibroscopy?

After the examination, the doctor explains the findings based on the recorded images. In some cases, the patient may receive photos or videos for follow-up. When there are suspicious changes, a biopsy may be necessary.

The result of the nasofibroscopy is immediate, and the doctor can already do it:

• Confirm or exclude diagnoses.
• Prescribe appropriate medication.
• Indicate the need for speech therapy or surgery.
• Request complementary tests.

Do you want a quick diagnosis, without waiting weeks? With nasofibroscopy, the result is immediate. Book now.

Does nasofibroscopy hurt?

This is a common and quite understandable doubt when it comes to an endoscopic examination. However, the examination is usually a peaceful experience and is very well tolerated by patients, causing no pain at all.

As mentioned above, it is possible for the doctor to apply an anesthetic to the patient’s nostrils just in case, but this is not a mandatory procedure. The local anaesthetic only helps to minimize the sensation of discomfort.

If you’re worried about whether nasofibroscopy hurts, most patients report only a tickling sensation or slight discomfort when the device is passed through.

The discomfort is temporary and lasts only a few seconds. Even in children, the test is well tolerated, especially when carried out by experienced and careful professionals.

Don’t let fear stop you from taking care of your health. Nasofibroscopy is safe, quick and painless. Make an appointment with someone who has experience.

Is nasofibroscopy safe?

Yes, it is an extremely safe test that has been carried out for decades and has a very low rate of complications. When performed by experienced otorhinolaryngologists, the risk is practically zero.

Mild side effects, such as sneezing, tearing or nausea, are temporary and disappear within a few minutes. Most patients return to their routine immediately.

Are you afraid to take the test? Talk to our team, clear up your doubts and carry out your nasofibroscopy in complete safety.

After the nasofibroscopy examination: care and recommendations

After the nasofibroscopy, the patient can resume normal activities. However, some people may experience sensations such as the following for a few minutes:

• Slight nasal irritation or the urge to sneeze.
• A passing fancy.
• Bitter taste in the mouth (due to the local anesthetic).
• The urge to cough or clear your throat.

These symptoms are to be expected and disappear in a short time. If there is a biopsy, the doctor will advise you on the necessary precautions, such as avoiding very hot food in the first few hours.

Our team will be with you every step of the way. Schedule your nasofibroscopy with complete support and humanized care.

Why have a nasofibroscopy?

As well as helping to diagnose important diseases and alterations in the airways, nasofibroscopy plays a crucial role in the investigation of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

It is also highly recommended for adenotonsillar hypertrophy in both adults and children. It is also highly recommended for patients with symptoms related to pharyngolaryngeal reflux.

The test is quick, usually lasting around 15 minutes, and requires no specific preparation. After it is completed, the patient may feel nauseous or want to vomit, although this is uncommon.

Another important factor is that the test allows the doctor to monitor the progress of diseases already diagnosed or the success of treatments carried out – such as adenoid surgery or the use of reflux medication.

That’s why it’s not just a diagnostic tool, but also a control and clinical follow-up tool.

Are you undergoing treatment or have you had surgery on your airways? Nasofibroscopy can confirm that everything is progressing well.

Advantages of nasofibroscopy over other tests

Nasofibroscopy differs from other tests in that it allows for a dynamic assessment of the airways.

While a CT or MRI scan offers static images, nasofibroscopy makes it possible to visualize the behavior of respiratory structures and phonation in real time – which is essential for diagnosing functional alterations.

It is considered the gold standard for evaluating causes of:

• Persistent hoarseness.
• Mouth breathing in children.
• Sleep apnea.
• Occupational dysphonia.
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

In addition, the nasofibroscopy examination is portable, does not require complex preparation, does not need sedation and can be carried out in the doctor’s office, with immediate recovery.

Do you want a practical, complete examination that delivers immediate results? Nasofibroscopy could be ideal for you. Contact us.

Common myths about nasofibroscopy

Despite being a simple and safe examination, nasofibroscopy is still surrounded by myths that unnecessarily frighten patients. Here are the main ones:

• “The test hurts a lot”: False. It is painless. It may only cause slight, momentary discomfort.
• “Need sedation”: No. The test is carried out with the patient awake and sitting up.
• “Needs hospitalization”: Not either. It’s outpatient and carried out in a doctor’s office.
• “It can’t be done on children”: Yes, it can! It’s even very useful in pediatrics.

Don’t let myths get in the way of your care. Schedule your nasofibroscopy with peace of mind and see how much simpler it is than it seems.

Evaluation of voice disorders with nasofibroscopy

Voice professionals – such as teachers, broadcasters, singers, actors and speakers – are more exposed to vocal injuries.

In these cases, nasofibroscopy is the test of choice to identify alterations in the vocal cords before they develop into more serious conditions.

During the examination, the ENT specialist can observe:

• Presence of nodules (vocal calluses).
• Vocal bleeding.
• Polyps or cysts.
• Looseness or stiffness of the vocal cords.
• Signs of vocal abuse or reflux.

This type of test is also very useful for monitoring the progress of speech therapies or post-surgeries on the larynx.

Do you take care of your voice on a daily basis? Schedule a nasofibroscopy and prevent vocal injuries that can impact your career.

Nasofibroscopy in children: when is it indicated?

Nasofibroscopy is extremely safe for children. It is indicated from the age of 2, especially in cases of:

• Noisy or mouth breathing.
• Frequent snoring.
• Recurrent bouts of sinusitis or otitis.
• Difficulties swallowing food.
• Delayed speech development.
• Evaluation of enlarged adenoids.

The advantage is that the examination can be carried out without general anesthesia and is painless. In very young or agitated children, mild sedation can be used when necessary and under supervision.

Does your child have breathing problems or snore at night? Make an appointment with a children’s ENT specialist and find out how nasofibroscopy can help.

The importance of nasofibroscopy in diagnosing reflux

Pharyngolaryngeal reflux is a condition in which the acidic contents of the stomach rise up into the throat, causing inflammation, dry cough, chronic throat clearing and even voice changes.

Often, these symptoms are not associated with the burning typical of gastroesophageal reflux.

In these cases, nasofibroscopy can reveal:

• Edema (swelling) of the vocal folds.
• Erythema (redness).
• Irritation of the larynx.
• Accumulation of thick secretion.
• Granulomas on the vocal fold.

The test enables early diagnosis and avoids complications such as permanent changes to the voice.

If you have constant throat clearing, coughing for no reason or hoarseness, schedule a nasofibroscopy. It could be reflux and you don’t even know it.

Nasofibroscopy and sleep-disordered breathing

Disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea affect quality of life, mood, memory and even cardiovascular health. Nasofibroscopy makes it possible to investigate the obstruction of the upper airways that occurs during sleep.

During the examination, the doctor can identify

• Enlarged adenoids or tonsils.
• Deviation of the nasal septum.
• Flaccidity of the pharyngeal walls.
• Collapse of the base of the tongue or epiglottis.

This test guides the most appropriate treatment: whether clinical, with CPAP, the use of intraoral plates or surgery.

Do you snore or wake up tired? Nasofibroscopy can reveal the cause of sleep disorders. Get checked out by a specialist.

Nasofibroscopy and cancer: does it detect tumors?

Yes, nasofibroscopy is one of the main tests used to investigate tumors in the upper airways, such as cancer of the larynx, pharynx or nasal cavity.

During the examination, the specialist may notice suspicious lesions, areas of abnormal bleeding, masses or changes in the color of the mucosa.

If there is any suspicion, the doctor can perform a guided biopsy at the same time, taking a sample of the lesion for pathological analysis. This allows early diagnosis of serious diseases and greatly increases the chances of effective treatment.

Early diagnosis saves lives. If you have persistent hoarseness, nosebleeds or pain when swallowing, talk to your ENT specialist and schedule your nasofibroscopy.

What is the difference between nasofibroscopy and laryngoscopy?

Many people confuse these two tests because they both assess the throat and vocal cords. But there are important technical differences.

• Nasofibroscopy is performed with a flexible tube that enters through the nose, allowing the nose, pharynx and larynx to be visualized in a single examination.
• Direct or indirect laryngoscopy, on the other hand, is usually more limited, looking only at the larynx through the mouth with mirrors or rigid cameras.

In summary: if you need a more complete and comfortable assessment, especially of the nasal area, nasofibroscopy is the ideal test.

Ask a specialist any questions you may have and find out which test is best for you. At Instituto Medicina em Foco, you can count on professionals prepared to guide you.

Do health insurance plans cover nasofibroscopy?

Nasofibroscopy is part of the ANS (National Supplementary Health Agency) list of procedures and is therefore usually covered by many health plans, provided there is the correct medical indication.

However, it is essential to check in advance:

• If the clinic is accredited to your plan.
• Whether prior authorization is required.
• Whether the examination will be carried out with or without a biopsy.
• If there is co-payment.

Do you have health insurance? Talk to our team and see if your health insurance covers nasofibroscopy at our clinic.

Nasofibroscopy value

The cost of the test can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the region, the health institution or clinic where the test is carried out, and even the complexity of the procedure, if there is a need for a biopsy or other associated procedures.

In private clinics, the price usually varies between R$300 and R$900, and can exceed this amount when the test is carried out under sedation or requires additional resources.

At Instituto Medicina em Foco, we offer affordable prices, a modern structure and qualified professionals, always with a focus on humanizing care.

Want to know how much nasofibroscopy costs at our clinic? Get in touch and receive all the information quickly and transparently.

Where can I get nasofibroscopy safely?

The place where the test is carried out makes all the difference. At Instituto Medicina em Foco, you can count on:

• Modern and welcoming structure.
• Experienced and up-to-date ENT specialists.
• High definition equipment for the best image.
• Humanized service from the appointment to the post-exam.
• Fast results and reports interpreted by specialists.

What’s more, the cost of nasofibroscopy is transparent, and scheduling can be done easily via WhatsApp or the website.

Choose a reliable place to take care of your respiratory health. Have your test with us and feel the difference in service.

Throughout this article, you’ve discovered what nasofibroscopy is, how it’s done, whether it hurts, what the indications are, how much it costs, how to interpret the results and how it can change your diagnosis.

This test is a modern, safe, affordable tool that can provide quick answers to problems affecting your breathing, sleep, voice or quality of life.

You can book these and other technological tests right now, easily and with reliable professionals.

Schedule your appointment or exam through the Instituto Medicina em Foco website. If you prefer, contact us by phone or WhatsApp: (11) 3289-3195.

The health of your airways deserves special attention. Don’t ignore persistent symptoms – such as hoarseness, dry cough, snoring or frequent sore throats. Nasofibroscopy can be the key to discovering the cause of the problem and starting appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Schedule your nasofibroscopy with someone who combines technology, experience and care in every detail. Instituto Medicina em Foco is ready to assist you.