Flexible laryngoscopy or nasopharyngoscopy (1700)
Key points below
What is flexible laryngoscopy/nasopharyngoscopy?
This procedure lets the doctor see the upper airway. This includes the nose, palate, adenoids, tonsils, back of the tongue and voice box. A flexible tube called an endoscope is used. It has light carrying fibers to help the doctor see. If your child is having breathing problems, the doctor can see the upper airway. If there are speech problems, the doctor can look to see if the palate is closing at the back of the throat as it should.
What happens during and after the procedure?
- Before the procedure, your child may be given medicine to numb the lining of the nose. It is given by nose drops or by nose spray, depending on what works best for your child. Your child may say the medicine tastes bad. This taste will go away.
- Once the medicine takes effect, the tube will be put in your child’s nose. It will be moved down the back of the throat. You will be able to watch the procedure on the computer screen as it is being done.
- The exam takes a few minutes. The nose and throat will be numb for about 30 minutes. Your child should not eat or drink for 30 minutes after the procedure. After the 30 minutes, offer your child water or a clear liquid such as white soda. If this does not cause coughing or choking, your child can eat and drink like normal.
- Please ask the doctor, nurse or speech pathologist any questions you have.
What will happen if my child is having speech testing?
Speech testing may be done during the procedure. Your child will be asked to say these phrases:
- I eat a peach.
- See Pete eat food.
- Patty ate apple pie.
- Go get a cookie for Kate.
- Sissy sees the sky.
- Stop the bus.
- Jerry’s slippers are blue.
- Puppy, puppy, puppy.
- “E” at different pitches.
When will I know the results?
The doctor will tell you the results once the procedure is done.
Will my child need any follow up care at home?
The doctor will talk with you about any follow up care that is needed.