The diagnosis of a sinus infection (sinusitis) is usually based onsymptomsand a physical exam.
If your symptoms don’t improve withtreatment, you may need X-rays or aCT scan.
Self-Checks
Mostsinus infectionsare due to a viral infection, such as the viruses that cause thecommon cold.
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At that point, a viral sinus infection should begin to improve on its own.
Pay attention to details about your sinus infectionsuch as when your symptoms began and how they have progressed.
This information will be helpful to your healthcare provider if your symptoms persist.
These are serious signs that a bacterial sinus infection is spreading.
During your physical exam, your healthcare provider will check inside your nose with a speculum and flashlight.
Labs and Tests
Your healthcare provider may run some tests, but this is not routinely done.
But you may need imaging for an evaluation of chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinusitis to look for structural causes.
You may also need imaging if you have severe acute symptoms or signs that your infection might be spreading.
An X-ray sinus series can usually identify fluid in the sinuses or nasal polyps.
You may be referred to an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist for these procedures.
Most cultures are done with endoscopy.
A rhinoscopy is a nasal endoscopy that allows your provider to look into the nasal passages.
It contains a light, fiberoptic cable, and a lens for viewing.
Acute sinusitis will usually clear up by four weeks.
after you grab had the symptoms for 12 weeks it will be called chronic sinusitis.
Antibiotics are only effective for sinus infections resulting from bacteria.
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