In order to diagnose sinusitis, your Orlando ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) may recommend having x-rays taken. X-rays are a common diagnostic tool for identifying broken bones, which may first come to mind, but it’s also useful in evaluating the possibility of sinusitis.
Sinusitis is inflammation or infection in the sinus facial cavity, the area surrounding the nose, eyes, and cheeks inside the skull.
A computed tomography (CT) scan can show more details of sinuses and structures within the face, but an x-ray is often used to identify less severe forms of sinusitis from other issues with the jaw, teeth, or nose. If your ENT specialist believes you have complicated or acute sinusitis, he or she may recommend a CT scan at that time.
From an x-ray, your Orlando ENT doctor will be able to see your facial bone structure, whether or not there is fluid in your sinus cavity, and whether or not the mucus membrane is inflamed (or thick).
X-rays should not be used to diagnose children under the age of 1. Since infants’ facial bones have not finished forming yet, x-rays can lead to misdiagnosis.
X-rays for sinusitis can be difficult to read by those who are not specialists in the field. It’s best to see a specialist, like those at Orlando Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, who have the experience and training to properly diagnose sinusitis.
