Patients coming to the nose clinic will usually have their nose examined using an endoscope. An endoscope is a tube that is inserted into the nose, to see inside the nose, the post-nasal space and the larynx or voice box. This allows the doctor to directly see whether there are any problems in the nose or upper respiratory tract.

Many patients will also have skin prick testing to aeroallergens performed, to look for evidence of allergic sensitisation. Additionally, patients may also have chest peak expiratory flow and spirometry performed, as many people with nasal problems also suffer with asthma or other chest diseases.

CT scans of the nose and sinuses are sometimes needed, especially if sinus surgery is being considered. Blood tests, sputum samples and nasal swabs may also be needed. Additional tests include nasal saccharine clearance testing place a small particle of saccharin in the nose and measure how long it takes for this to be tasted in the mouth.