Posterior rhinoscopy is a medical examination of the back of the nose and the upper part of the throat. The word "posterior" is spelled with a long "o" sound and "e" pronounced as "ee" (pɑːˈstɪəriə), while "rhinoscopy" is spelled with a silent "h" and "i" pronounced as "eye" (raɪˈnɒskəpi). Together, the word is pronounced as "pɑːˈstɪəriəʊ raɪˈnɒskəpi". This technique is used by doctors to diagnose conditions such as sinusitis, polyps, and tumors in the nasal cavity.
Posterior rhinoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the posterior (back) part of the nasal cavity, particularly the nasopharynx. It involves the use of a specialized instrument known as a nasopharyngoscope or a postnasal mirror.
During a posterior rhinoscopy, the patient is typically seated upright with their head tilted slightly back. The healthcare provider will then gently insert the nasopharyngoscope or the postnasal mirror through one of the patient's nostrils, until it reaches the back of the nasal cavity. This allows for a clear visualization of the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the throat behind the nose. The healthcare provider may apply a local anesthetic to the nasal passage to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
Posterior rhinoscopy is commonly performed to evaluate and diagnose conditions such as nasal congestion, chronic postnasal drip, or recurrent sinus infections. It allows healthcare providers to assess the health of the pharyngeal and nasal tissues and identify any abnormalities, such as polyps, inflammation, or masses.
Additionally, posterior rhinoscopy can be utilized to collect samples for further analysis, such as swabs or biopsies, when necessary. This procedure is typically carried out by an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, who is highly skilled in managing and diagnosing conditions related to the nasal and respiratory passages.
Inspection of the nasopharynx and posterior portion of the nasal cavity by means of the rhinoscope.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "posterior rhinoscopy" has a Greek and Latin origin.
The term "posterior" comes from the Latin word "posterus", meaning "following" or "next". In medical terminology, it refers to the back or rear part of the body.
The word "rhinoscopy" comes from the Greek word "rhī́s" (ῥίς), which means "nose", and the combining form "-scopy" derived from the Greek word "skopos" (σκοπός), meaning "to see" or "to examine". Therefore, "rhinoscopy" refers to the medical examination or visualization of the nasal cavity.
Thus, "posterior rhinoscopy" is a medical term that refers to the examination of the back part of the nasal cavity using various instruments or methods.