You have the headaches. The congestion. The constant pressure. When you think you have a sinus infection, how are sinus infections diagnosed?
After taking your medical history and asking you about current symptoms, sinus doctors rely on a few common checks to see if sinus infections are the cause of your troubles.
How Are Sinus Infections Diagnosed?
- A general physical exam, to rule out other underlying conditions
- Sinus culture
- Nasal endoscopy
- General bloodwork
- X-rays
- CT scan
Not all of those tests are used for every patient, keep in mind.
Beyond these types of tests, your doctor might try a few other methods, like checking for dental pain. (If your upper teeth are hurting, it can indicate inflamed sinuses.) Or your doctor might prescribe allergy testing to make sure that your symptoms aren’t actually a reaction to some type of irritant.
If sinusitis is to blame, common treatments can include:
- Antibiotics, if the sinus infection is caused by bacteria
- Decongestants, whether OTC or prescription
- Corticosteroids, to reduce nasal inflammation
- Pain relievers
- Proper rest
- Hydration
- Nasal saline rinses
- And sometimes treatment for acid reflux
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Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors begin diagnosing sinus infections by taking your medical history and asking about your current symptoms. They conduct a general physical exam to rule out other conditions before proceeding with more specific tests.
Common diagnostic tests for sinus infections include sinus cultures, nasal endoscopy, general bloodwork, X-rays, and CT scans. Not all patients will need every test, as doctors choose based on individual symptoms and cases.
Yes, sinus infections can cause dental pain, particularly in the upper teeth, because inflamed sinuses near the upper jaw can lead to discomfort in that area. Doctors may check for dental pain to help diagnose sinusitis.
Allergy testing may be used if your symptoms might be caused by allergic reactions rather than infections. This helps doctors distinguish between sinusitis and irritation from allergens to provide appropriate treatment.
If a sinus infection is caused by bacteria, doctors may prescribe antibiotics. Other treatments can include decongestants, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, pain relievers, nasal saline rinses, sufficient rest, hydration, and sometimes treatment for acid reflux.
A CT scan provides detailed images of the sinuses and can help doctors assess the extent and location of the infection or inflammation. It is particularly useful if symptoms are severe or do not improve with initial treatments.
Corticosteroids help reduce nasal inflammation caused by sinus infections, which can relieve pressure and congestion. They are often used alongside other treatments to improve symptoms.