What Is A Sinus X-ray?
A sinus X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to examine your sinuses. Sinuses are air-filled cavities (spaces) located near the nasal cavity.
X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create images of your bones and internal organs. X-rays are most often used to find problems with bones or joints or to check the heart and lungs. A sinus X-ray is a type of X-ray.
A sinus X-ray is simple and quick, and it does not involve any instruments placed in your body (non-invasive). It can provide useful information to your healthcare provider. However, a sinus X-ray can only tell your provider that there is an issue.
A CT scan or MRI may give better images of your sinuses. In some cases, you may have one of these scans instead of a sinus X-ray.
Why Might I Need A Sinus X-ray?
You might need a sinus X-ray if your healthcare provider thinks you may have:
An injury to your sinuses, inflammation (sinusitis), infection, bleeding, a tumor, or other masses.
You may also need a sinus X-ray after sinus surgery.
Your provider may have other reasons to recommend a sinus X-ray.
What Are The Risks Of A Sinus X-ray?
You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the test. Also, ask about the risks that apply to you.
Consider keeping a list of all the X-rays you’ve had, including previous scans and X-rays taken for other health reasons. Show this list to your provider. The risks of radiation exposure may be related to the number of X-rays you’ve had over time and the types of X-ray treatments you’ve received.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Exposure to radiation during pregnancy may cause birth defects. If you need a sinus X-ray, the technician will take special care to minimize the radiation exposure to the fetus.
Depending on your specific health condition, there may be other risks. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your provider before the procedure.
How Do I Prepare For A Sinus X-ray?
Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask any questions you have about the procedure.
You do not need to stop eating or drinking before the test. You also will not need medication to help you relax (sedation).
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a prosthetic (artificial) eye. A prosthetic eye can cause a confusing shadow on the sinus X-ray.
Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to prepare for the test.
What Happens During A Sinus X-ray?
You may have a sinus X-ray as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. How the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.
Typically, a sinus X-ray follows this process:
You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that might interfere with the test.
You will lie down on an X-ray table. Your head will be carefully positioned between the X-ray machine and X-ray film. A foam clamp will hold your head still. The clamp will not hurt.
The technician may cover the rest of your body with a lead apron (shield) to prevent exposure to X-rays.
The technician will ask you to remain still for a few minutes while the X-ray is taken.
If the X-ray is being done to check for an injury, the technician will take special care to prevent further injury. For example, if your healthcare provider suspects you have a cervical spine fracture, you may be wearing a neck brace.
Some sinus X-ray studies may require you to be in several different positions. It is very important to remain still while the X-ray is being taken. Any movement may affect the quality of the image. If this happens, you may need another X-ray.
The technician will step behind a special window while the image is being taken.
A sinus X-ray is not painful. However, if you have recently had surgery or an injury, you may feel some discomfort or pain while changing positions. The technician will use all possible comfort measures and complete the scan as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain.
What Happens After A Sinus X-ray?
You do not need any special care after a sinus X-ray. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions depending on your situation.
How Much Does It Cost?
Dr. Abdullah Cevahir
Radiologist
Hekimoğlu Imaging and Diagnosis Center