What is a sinus X-ray?

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  1. Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)
     
    Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    A sinus x-ray is a picture of the air-filled cavities in the front of the skull. X-rays are commonly used to assess problems quickly, as well as to rule out other serious problems. While most doctors prefer a CT scan of the sinuses today, x-rays can help detect acute or chronic sinusitis, cancer and some infections. An x-ray exposes your body to a small amount of radiation to produce an image of the sinus cavities. With a sinus x-ray, the technician may have you sit up to get a good picture of the fluid-filled sinuses.  You will be completely still while the technician leaves the room and turns on the machine to take the image. When the radiographic equipment is activated, a beam of x-ray goes through your body to expose the film. The technician may have you move into various positions to get different views, and then will take the film to a lab to be developed. The film is read by a radiologist, a doctor who is trained to read radiographic film. After the radiologist analyzes the x-rays, he or she will send your doctor a written evaluation, and your doctor will give you the results.

    For some types of acute pain, x-rays can give a fast evaluation of the problem so your doctor can prescribe treatment immediately. Because x-ray is an inexpensive method of assessing internal problems, it is easily accessible at most doctor’s offices and outpatient centers. Of course, it’s very important to limit the number of x-rays you have taken to avoid over exposure to radiation, which may lead to cancer.
    More Related Answers from Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)
    A sinus x-ray is a picture of the air-filled cavities in the front of the skull. X-rays are commonly used to assess problems quickly, as well as to rule out other serious problems. While most doctors prefer a CT scan of the sinuses today, x-rays can... More