| The diagnosis of a sinus infection is usually made | | | | or sino-nasal endoscope. This is a fiberoptic, flexible or |
| based on a medical history assessment and a physical | | | | rigid tube that is inserted through the nose and |
| examination. Adequately distinguishing sinusitis from a | | | | enables the doctor to view the passageways and |
| simple upper respiratory infection or a common cold | | | | see if the sinuses are open and draining correctly. |
| is important. | | | | Anatomical causes of breathing difficulties may also |
| Sinusitis is often caused by bacteria and requires | | | | be found, such as a deviated nasal septum, nasal |
| antibiotics for treatment. Sinusitis can also be caused | | | | polyps, and enlarged adenoid and tonsils. |
| by viruses (meaning antibiotics would not help). Upper | | | | An ENT specialist may also drain the affected sinus |
| respiratory infections and colds are viral illnesses. | | | | to test for organisms. This is a more invasive test. |
| Proper diagnosis of these potentially similar conditions | | | | During this procedure, a doctor inserts a needle into |
| prevents confusion as to which medications should be | | | | the sinus through skin (or gum) and bone in an |
| given. Overtreating viral infections with antibiotics can | | | | attempt to withdraw fluid, which can be sent to the |
| be dangerous. | | | | lab for culture. Any present bacteria can be identified, |
| Another noninvasive diagnostic tool is ultrasound. The | | | | usually in less than two days. |
| procedure is fast, reliable, and less expensive than a | | | | Antibiotics may be given for treatment. If necessary, |
| CT scan although the results are not as detailed. | | | | discomfort is alleviated by local anesthesia. The |
| Ultrasound has not been widely accepted for | | | | draining procedure is seldom used, because the CT |
| diagnosis of sinus infection by the medical community, | | | | scan may suffice for the diagnosis of sinusitis, and |
| especially among ear, nose, and throat physicians | | | | standard antibiotics are usually effective even when |
| (ENTs, also known as otorhinolaryngologists). This is | | | | the exact bacterial cause is not known. |
| partly because a CT scan offers the ENT physician a | | | | Home care can help open the sinuses and alleviate |
| more detailed image of the anatomy, which helps | | | | their dryness. |
| plan possible surgery. | | | | Inhale steam two to four times per day by leaning |
| If symptoms persist despite adequate therapy, a | | | | over a bowl of hot water (not while the water is on |
| referral to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physician | | | | the stove) or using a steam vaporizer. Inhale the |
| may be made. | | | | steam for about 10 minutes. Taking a hot, steamy |
| In addition to specializing in sinusitis, the ENT physician | | | | shower may also work. Mentholated preparations, |
| can directly visualize the nasal passages and the | | | | such as Vicks Vapo-Rub, can be added to the water |
| connection to the sinuses with a nasopharyngoscope, | | | | or vaporizer to aid in opening the passageways. |