ear, nose, and throat disorders
Sinusitis
Diagnosis of Sinusitis
A doctor's evaluation Sometimes computed tomography A doctor bases the diagnosis on the typical symptoms. A Computed Tomography (CT) (CT) scan is able to determine the extent and severity of sinusitis but is done mainly when people have symptoms of complications (such as a red, bulging eye) or when people have chronic sinusitis. If a person has maxillary sinusitis, the teeth may be Sometimes findings of chronic sinusitis are incidentally found on a head CT done for other reasons (for example, for people who go to an emergency department with a headache or mild head injury). Sinusitis in childrenis suspected when a pus-filled discharge from the nose persists for more than 10 days along with extreme tiredness (fatigue) and cough. Pain or discomfort in the face may be present. Fever is uncommon. When examining the nose, a doctor sees pus-filled drainage. A CT scan can confirm the diagnosis but, because of concerns about radiation exposure, is usually done only in children with chronic sinusitis that does not resolve with antibiotic treatment or with signs of complications. 