Diagnosing and Testing for Sinusitis

This information comes from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

A doctor can usually diagnose acute sinusitis by listening to your symptoms and doing a physical examination, which includes examining your nasal tissues.

If your symptoms are vague or persist, a CT (computed tomography) scan can confirm sinusitis.

Laboratory tests to diagnose chronic sinusitis may include:

• Blood tests to rule out other conditions associated with sinusitis like an immune deficiency disorder or cystic fibrosis
• Cultures (special blood tests) to detect bacterial or fungal infection
• Biopsy to determine the health of the cells lining the nasal cavity