Tools & Resources

• Think You Have a Food Allergy?
• Essential Items for Allergy Relief
• Pets and Allergies
• Allergies: Myths vs. Facts
• Controlling Home Allergies
• Allergies in the Workplace

Sinus Tests

• Physical examination: A doctor can look into the nose with a lighted viewer to see the turbinates, which may be swollen. She may press or tap on the face over the sinuses to check for pain.
• Computed tomography (CT scan): A CT scanner uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the sinuses. CT scanning can help diagnose chronic sinusitis.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic waves create highly detailed images of the sinuses. CT and MRI scans may be used together.
• Endoscopy (rhinoscopy): Using a flexible tube with a camera on its end, a doctor can examine the inside of the nose and sinuses.
• Sinus cultures: A mucus sample can be taken from inside the sinuses. This is done with a needle or during endoscopy.
• Skin Test for Allergies: Skin testing for various allergens can help determine if allergies are contributing to sinusitis.
• Sinus X-ray: A plain X-ray may show problems with the bones around the sinuses. A CT scan is superior to plain X-ray films.

Sinus Treatments

• Decongestants: Medications that cause blood vessels in the inner nasal tissue to constrict. As a result, there is less sinus congestion, mucus production and postnasal drip. 
• Nasal steroid spray: Regular use of nasal steroids can reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. These medications help relieve tissue swelling and help prevent the regrowth of nasal polyps after sinus surgery.
• Nasal saline spray: Salt water nasal spray breaks up dried mucus and helps to keep the nose moist.
• Nasal washes: rinse mucous from the nasal cavities and sinuses.
• Antihistamines: Oral histamine blockers (Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra) can reduce the nasal and sinus symptoms from allergic rhinitis.
• Antibiotics: Anti-bacterial oral medicines may be needed to treat bacterial sinusitis.
• Sinus surgery: Surgery can improve or correct some sinus conditions. Usually surgery is used to remove growths or to open an obstruction.