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Does Nasal Endoscopy Without Gloves Causes Infection?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Jan 2024
Question: Hi, I went to an ENT, and Dr performed a nasal endoscopy aka putting a tube from my nose to my throat. He didn't use gloves and touched the tube before putting it in my nose and throat now I have a sore throat after 5 days, should I be worried about infection?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (25 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The doctor's instrumentation with bare hands would not be the cause...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

After reading the question, I believe that the doctor's instrumentation with bare hands would not be the cause of the sore throat.

After the endoscopic procedure, the patient frequently experiences a sore throat because of instrumentation in the oropharynx and nasopharynx. Usually, this can be eased with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.

Secondly, a viral infection may be the cause of the sore throat; however, this could just be a coincidence in this instance.

Be at ease! This is not a major issue. You must frequently take little sips of warm water. Use anti-inflammatory medications if you are not sensitive to any of them. These medications are sold without a prescription. If the symptoms don't go away, you should see your doctor for additional assessment and treatment.

I hope that clarifies your question. Please respond if you have any more questions.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (12 hours later)
is it normal to do this without wearing gloves?
also I have bad taste in my mouth as well is it all related to this procedure? if you mean flu by viral infection an emergency dr confirmed I don't have it
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (18 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A very few people do the endoscopy without wearing gloves

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I appreciate your response.

1. Almost all clinicians wear gloves when doing endoscopies. If a physician is allergic to latex alone, a very small percentage will perform the endoscopy with their bare hands.

2. The post-procedural irritation may be the cause of the foul taste in the mouth. This is just temporary and will pass in a few days.

3. If the doctor determines that a viral infection is not the cause of the sore throat, post-procedural inflammation is the only plausible explanation. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or diclofenac could help ease sore throats. Take frequent sips of warm water and stay away from hot or cold meals and drinks.

I hope this helps to allay your concerns. I hope you stay well.

With best regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)
thanks, are they wearing gloves to protect the patient or themselves? I'm really worried about being infected with a serious disease because of the instrument or doctor's hand being dirty. is it possible?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, gloves are worn in order to protect themselves and the patient as well

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

The doctor wears gloves to keep both himself and the patients safe. Be at ease! It is customary for the doctor to use hand sanitizer both before and after a procedure. The doctor harboring the deadly microorganisms and voluntarily spreading them to others is extremely unusual. In that scenario, every patient that that specific physician saw ought to have become ill.

I acknowledge the reason for your concern and concur that the doctor ought to have worn gloves before the endoscopic treatment. But rest assured that no harmful illnesses would be spread by diagnostic procedures carried out with just the hands.

I hope this allays your concerns. I wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. LAKSHMI
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 2540 Questions

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Does Nasal Endoscopy Without Gloves Causes Infection?

Brief Answer: The doctor's instrumentation with bare hands would not be the cause... Detailed Answer: Hello, After reading the question, I believe that the doctor's instrumentation with bare hands would not be the cause of the sore throat. After the endoscopic procedure, the patient frequently experiences a sore throat because of instrumentation in the oropharynx and nasopharynx. Usually, this can be eased with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Secondly, a viral infection may be the cause of the sore throat; however, this could just be a coincidence in this instance. Be at ease! This is not a major issue. You must frequently take little sips of warm water. Use anti-inflammatory medications if you are not sensitive to any of them. These medications are sold without a prescription. If the symptoms don't go away, you should see your doctor for additional assessment and treatment. I hope that clarifies your question. Please respond if you have any more questions. Regards Dr. Naveen Kumar N ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon