Why ENTs Perform Nasal Endoscopy BEFORE Ordering a Sleep Study
In this segment, an ENT clinician explains the nasal endoscopy procedure and its role in the diagnostic work‑up of patients with sleep complaints. A thin, flexible endoscope is introduced through the nose after applying a topical numbing and decongestant spray, allowing direct visualization of the nasopharynx, adenoids, oropharynx, and larynx. The clinician emphasizes that this comprehensive physical examination is performed first to identify any anatomical, craniofacial, or developmental abnormalities that could explain poor sleep. Only when the airway appears patent and the cause of sleep disturbance remains unclear does the clinician proceed to order a sleep study (polysomnography), which can uncover sleep‑related breathing disorders or other issues not evident on exam. The excerpt outlines the step‑wise reasoning: examine anatomy → rule out structural contributors → use sleep study for functional assessment.
