Laryngoscopy (lair-en-GOS-kuh-pee) is a procedure health care providers do to look inside the larynx (voice box), which is below the back of the throat. In direct laryngoscopy, they use an instrument called a laryngoscope (leh-RIN-geh-skope) (or scope, for short) to look directly at the larynx (LAIR-inks).

Your child was watched after the procedure and now can be cared for at home. Usually, there are no problems after direct flexible laryngoscopy. Your child's nose and throat might feel numb or swollen for a little while after the procedure. They might have some soreness in their nose or throat or some hoarseness for a day or two.

• Your child should not eat or drink until the numbness in the nose and throat wears off.
• Children older than 4 years can suck on throat lozenges or hard candy to help with soreness.
• Gargling with saltwater also might help ease throat discomfort.
• If your child is uncomfortable, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand). Avoid anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand), naproxen (Aleve^® or a store brand), and aspirin, because they can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Go to all follow-up visits as recommended so that your doctor can make sure your child is recovering well.

Your child:

• has a fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• can't keep any foods down
• can't eat or drink
• sounds hoarse for more than a few days
• spits out any blood after the first day
• has noisy breathing

• Your child has trouble breathing.
• The skin between your child's ribs and neck pulls in tight during breathing.
• Your child has a large amount of bleeding from the mouth.

What are the types of laryngoscopes? Two main types of scopes are used for direct laryngoscopy:

• Rigid laryngoscopy: The health care provider uses a firm scope that doesn't bend. It is inserted through the child's mouth into the throat. It lights the inside of the throat and enlarges the view. Usually, it's done while the child is under general anesthesia. The procedure can help a health care provider remove foreign objects or growths, collect tissue samples to examine in a lab, or do laser treatment.
  
  
• Flexible laryngoscopy: The health care provider uses a thin flexible tube that can be inserted through the nose or mouth. It has a light and camera on the end, letting the health care provider see the throat through the scope's eyepiece or on a monitor in the room. Usually, it's done in the office or clinic with the child awake, using numbing medicine for the throat. Sometimes it's done while the child is under general anesthesia. The procedure can help a health care provider diagnose problems in the throat and larynx.