Sinus x-ray

• Alternative Names

  Paranasal sinus radiography; x-ray - sinuses

• How the test is performed

  X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation -- like light, but of higher energy. They can pass through the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) look white, air looks black, and other structures are shades of gray.

  A sinus x-ray is taken in a hospital radiology department or your health care provider's office. You will be asked to sit in a chair so that any fluids in the sinus may be easily seen on the pictures. The technician may place your head in different positions as the pictures are taken.

• How to prepare for the test

  Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

• How the test will feel

  Generally, there is little or no discomfort associated with x-rays.

• Why the test is performed

  This test is performed when symptoms of sinusitis or other sinus disorders are present.

• What abnormal results mean

  The x-ray may detect tumors, obstructions, infections, and bleeding.

  Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include:

  • Acute sinusitis
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Meningitis
  • Orbital cellulitis
• What the risks are

  There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk of most x-rays is smaller than other risks we take every day. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays.

• Special considerations

  A CT scan of the sinuses is often preferred over a sinus x-ray, because it shows more detail.

Review Date: 9/9/2009

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.