Can a nasal endoscopy detect a dust allergy?

March 25, 2010

Allergies are a very common ailment that affects, to varying degrees, the lifestyle of people suffering from them. Nasal allergies are even more common and are significantly influenced by the much polluted atmosphere we have created for ourselves. Before we go ahead, it is important to simplify what an allergy is. For instance, a number of people are of the opinion that if their body simply reacts to some substance, they are allergic to it. However, a person is only said to be suffering from an allergy if he or she reacts unnaturally to a substance that does not evoke any reaction in most other people. For example, not everyone will react adversely to dust or pollen in the air, but individuals suffering from an allergy could experience significant difficulty with reactions such as inflammation of the skin and redness of the face being the most common reactions. Moreover, nasal allergies can be a significant problem because of the fact that any inflammation in the respiratory tract could cause suffocation and even death. Some of the other common reactions when a person suffers from a dust allergy include a stuffy any congested nose as well as a constant itch in the roof of the mouth, ears or throat.

A nasal endoscopy is considered to be one of the most effective methods of diagnosing a dust allergy primarily because it allows the presiding doctor to take a more invasive look at the obstruction or irritant when it is lodged in the nasal cavity. The procedure requires the insertion of a thin instrument known as an endoscope to be inserted into the nose. This device features a light and a camera at the tip that is inserted into the patient and the images captured by the camera are relayed onto a monitor in front of the presiding doctor to help maneuverability as well as being able to have a closer look at the internal structure. On commencement of the test, an anesthetic is administered in order to numb the area and the endoscope inserted. Aside from the diagnostic benefits of suffering from a dust allergy, the procedure also helps with a number of other conditions such as relieving facial pain, improve breathing as well as relieve any nasal blockages. Studies have shown that about 80% to 90% of all people report a considerable reduction in the symptoms they were experiencing after having undergone an endoscopic sinus surgery

Submitted by M T on March 25, 2010 at 12:05

Read more questions in Endoscopy
ADVERTISEMENT