At the back of your throat above your windpipe, you have a larynx. Your larynx holds your vocal cords and helps you to breathe, swallow, and talk. When things go wrong, it can be helpful for your doctor to take a closer look at this small but essential body part.
Read on to learn all about your larynx, what can go wrong with it, and answer the question, “what is a laryngoscopy?”
What Is a Laryngoscopy?
Sometimes, a doctor needs to take a better look at your larynx before they can come to a diagnosis. A laryngoscopy is a procedure where doctors use a device called a laryngoscope to look into your larynx and other parts of your throat. The procedure can also involve inserting a tube into the windpipe to assist with your breathing.
Every patient has a different size throat, so laryngoscopes come in various sizes. A laryngoscopy clinic will purchase half sizes to increase visibility while keeping their patients comfortable. To learn more about half sizes, take a browse!
Types of Laryngoscopy
There are several ways to perform a laryngoscopy. Doctors decide which to perform depending on the patient, the suspected diagnosis, and the severity of the prevailing condition.
Here are the main types of laryngoscopy, explained:
Indirect Laryngoscopy
The simplest of the laryngoscopy procedures, indirect laryngoscopies involve a small mirror (similar to dentists’ mirrors) and a small light. Your doctor places the mirror against the roof of your mouth and then shines the light into your mouth. They use the mirror to see inside your throat.
This procedure is quick and relatively pain-free but might activate your gag reflex.
Direct Laryngoscopy
Direct laryngoscopy is the most involved procedure. It uses a laryngoscope to push down your tongue and lift the epiglottis.
This procedure allows doctors to remove small growths in your throat and to sample tissues for further testing.
Direct laryngoscopies are done under general anesthesia. This is the longest form of laryngoscopy and can take up to 45 minutes.
Direct Fiber-Optic Laryngoscopy
Also called a flexible laryngoscopy, direct fiber-optic laryngoscopy uses a small telescope on the end of a cable. The cable goes up your nose and then down to your throat.
Doctors may use a decongestant to open up your nasal passages, and will you numbing for your nose. This procedure may also activate your gag reflex.
When Do You Need A Laryngoscopy?
If you’ve had a sore throat that’s stuck around for a while, doctors sometimes need to take a closer look to find the reason why.
Laryngoscopies can be useful in the following situations:
- ongoing sore throat, coughing, or hoarseness
- consistent and unexplainable bad breath
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- persistent earache
- diagnosing throat cancer
- growth removal
Looking After Your Throat
Whole-body health includes looking after the parts of your body you aren’t always aware of. Your larynx and throat are essential for so many daily activities – it’s worth investing in their health!
Now that you can answer what is a laryngoscopy, what are you going to learn about next? Check out our blog for more useful posts to become your healthiest, happiest self.