Detecting Sinus Disease

August 12, 2015

My name is Laura and I have worked as a Radiographic Technologist for BreatheAmerica for 3  1/2 years taking sinus CTs. I have now had the opportunity to cross train and perform skin tests and pulmonary function testing as well as work closely with our ENT staff. Being cross trained has allowed me to see how closely asthma, allergy, and sinus are related.

Patients with allergies and immune deficiencies have a greater risk of developing sinus disease. By doing allergy testing and CT imaging at our facility the providers are able to rule out or diagnose sinusitis. Sinusitis and allergies can share similar symptoms including headaches and nasal discharge. Patients can spend up to many years treating sinus disease with allergy medication and vice versa and become extremely frustrated by the time they end up at a specialist. I have seen many people look as though they were relieved to find out they had sinusitis just because they were finally given something to be able to treat appropriately rather than guessing constantly.

CT scanning is the best method of viewing the sinuses because it can detect infection in all of the sinuses as opposed to a normal sinus x-ray which does not show infection in the sphenoid or ethmoid sinuses. CT scans can be helpful in the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis which is important for patients who may be considering sinus surgery. CT is able to detect structural abnormalities such as a deviated septum, as well as pathology such as nasal polyps.

Unsure about your symptoms? Visit your nearest BreatheAmerica clinic, where our fantastic staff can guide you through every step of the process in order to help you breathe better.