Diagnosis of Sinusitis

When the medical professional is attempting to determine the cause of the sinus infection, there are several processes that may be done. For example, the doctor will probably check to see if there is tenderness in the throat or nasal passages. Blockages, pockets where infections can thrive or abnormalities can be viewed with the aid of a tool known as an endoscope, a thin flexible tube with a fiber optic light on the end. The doctor may also use imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans to reveal a deeper problem, not visible using the endoscope. Cultures of the nasal or sinus drainage may be necessary in some cases, particularly if bacterial infections are involved.