Healthcare providers often recommend a sinus CT scan when you have persistent issues with your sinuses. This test is completely painless, takes just a few minutes, and can offer valuable information about your sinuses.
What Does a Sinus CT Assess?
The sinus cavity of your body falls into a number of different categories:
- Maxillary sinus
- Ethmoid sinuses
- Sphenoid sinuses
- Frontal sinuses
The maxillary sinuses are located beneath your cheeks on either side of your nose. The frontal sinuses are situated behind your brow ridges. Ethmoid sinuses are located between your nose and your eyes, while sphenoid sinuses are behind the nose and between the eyes. A sinus CT scan can give your doctor a close up look at all these areas so they can assess what is happening in your body.
In most cases, healthy sinuses are clear. The CT scan shows all the hard and soft tissue in the area, and the images let the doctor see evidence of fluids, inflammation, anatomical abnormalities, and other issues. These scans provide more details than x-rays, and they are safer from a radiation perspective.
When Do You Need a Sinus CT Scan?
Your doctor may recommend a sinus CT scan if you have been experiencing the following problems:
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal obstruction
- Thick nasal drainage
- Loss of sense of smell
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Unexplained sinus infections
With the information from the sinus CT, your doctor can diagnose whether or not you have sinusitis. They can look at sinuses that are filled with fluid or membranes that are unusually thick, and they can generate a treatment plan for you. They can also plan sinus surgeries by starting with a CT scan or do follow ups to see how you’re progressing after your surgery.
What Happens During a Sinus CT?
Even faster than an MRI, a sinus CT scan takes just 15 to 30 minutes. Once you’re ready for the exam, you’ll simply lie on a cushioned table, which will slide your body into the circular CT machine. You’ll be able to communicate with your technologist throughout the exam, and they can help to alleviate any concerns you may have.
How Do You Prepare for a Sinus CT?
Talk with your doctor about exact preparation steps for your sinus CT scan. Let the imaging tech know if you have any metal on or inside your body including cardiac pacemakers, artificial heart valves, and inner ear implants. You’ll set aside jewelry, belts and other metal objects, and depending upon the body part being scanned, you may be asked to remove your normal clothing and wear a hospital gown. our staff will examine your medical history to determine whether there is any risk of allergic reaction to the contrast dye.On the day of the appointment, don’t wear makeup as that can also have metal in it, and keep in mind that you may be instructed not to eat or drink for a few hours before the scan.
How to Set Up a Sinus CT?
To set up a sinus CT, contact us at American Health Imaging today. We can also set up appointments with doctors on behalf of your patients. Contact us today. We look forward to helping you get answers.