X-Ray Paranasal Sinuses
Also known as
Sinus X-ray
An X-ray of the paranasal sinuses is commonly ordered to look for bone fractures, deformation, and any sinus issues in the face. The paranasal sinuses are air-filled spaces under the skin of your face. There are four pairs of sinuses located in different regions of your face. They are divided into groups and named after the facial bones near which they are found.
- Frontal sinuses: They are found in the middle of your forehead, above both left and right eyes. They are located on the frontal bone.
- Maxillary sinuses: These are found under your eyes, in the maxillary bones on either side of your nose. They are also the most prominent sinuses.
- Sphenoid sinuses: These are found behind your skull, near your optic nerve, and the pituitary gland.
- Ethmoid sinuses: These are in the middle of your eyes, on the bridge of your nose.
Your sinuses are a crucial part of your anatomy. Although the primary function of the paranasal sinuses is unknown, health care professionals believe they have a variety of roles. The sinuses help decrease the relative mass of the skull and facial bones and act as a shock-resistant buffer during traumatic accidents. They also isolate eyeballs and the roots of teeth from rapid temperature changes. A condition involving your sinuses can cause much discomfort and pain. A common disease of the sinuses is sinusitis or sinus infection. Since your sinuses contain a runny fluid-like mucus, they can sometimes become blocked up due to mucus build-up and lead to infection and inflammation. An X-ray of the paranasal sinuses is usually used to diagnose this because air-filled sinuses generally appear black or dark on an X-ray film. When there is a fluid build-up, it is visible on the X-ray.
Your healthcare provider may order a paranasal sinus X-ray if you have symptoms of a sinus condition or sinusitis, or have had:
- injury to your sinuses
- an infection
- a hemorrhage
- tumor or other mass
- undergone surgery
- a stuffy nose with opaque white-ish and green secretions
- pain or soreness around sinus locations
- swelling around the middle of your face
- decreased sense of smell
- fatigue
- cough
- sore throat
- ear pain
- fever
There is no specific preparation needed unless your physician advises otherwise. You do not need to fast before or get anesthesia during the test. Though, inform your doctor if you have an artificial eye since those can disrupt the X-ray. Additionally, notify your healthcare provider if you are pregnant since developing fetuses are more susceptible to radiation. If a sinus X-ray is essential, the technologist will take special care to keep the radiation exposure minimum.
An X-ray of the paranasal sinuses proceeds in the following way:
- You should remove any metal objects such as jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, or other things that may impede the test.
- You will have to lie on an X-ray table for the exam, with your head between the X-ray machine and the image detector.
- A sinus X-ray may require you to be in several positions, which may be painful or uncomfortable if you are injured or have had surgery recently. The positions will only include moving your head in different places to obtain views of your sinuses. These may consist of a Water's view where the X-ray technician will ask you to gaze upwards or downwards.
- The X-ray technician may use a foam piece for support and hold your head still. They will also cover the lower section of your body with a lead shield to protect it from excessive radiation.
- The technician will ask you to hold still for a few moments during the X-ray. It is vital to remain motionless during the procedure since movement may affect the image's quality.
A radiologist will interpret your results and prepare a report for your doctor. Your doctor will then explain the finding to you and begin treatment. The X-ray may detect an infection, blockages, bleeding, or tumors. Your doctor will recommend either a treatment plan or more tests to continue diagnosis based on this information. They may order an MRI, CT scan, sinus puncture and blood tests on nasal endoscopy.
Related X-rays:
Facial Bones Complete, Sinus Complete, Facial Bones AP Lateral, Nasal Bones
