A sinus X-ray is an imaging test that uses electromagnetic energy to make images of your sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled pockets (cavities) near your nasal passage.
X-rays use a small amount of radiation to make images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures such as your bones. X-rays pass through body tissues onto special plates similar to camera film. The more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film. Computers and digital media are now more commonly used instead of film. X-rays are most often used to find bone or joint problems, or to check the heart and lungs. A sinus X-ray is one type of X-ray.
X-rays are most often used to find bone or joint problems, or to check the heart and lungs. A sinus X-ray is one type of X-ray.
A sinus X-ray is simple and quick, and doesn't involve any instruments that are put into your body (noninvasive). It can give your healthcare provider useful information. But a sinus X-ray can only tell your provider that a problem exists. It doesn't show a specific cause of the problem.
A CT scan or MRI may give better images of your sinuses. You may have one of these scans instead of a sinus X-ray in some cases.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. If you need to have a sinus X-ray, special precautions will be made to minimize the radiation exposure to the fetus.
You don't need to stop eating or drinking before the test. You also will not need medicine to help you relax (sedation).
You will lie on an X-ray table. Your head will be carefully placed between the X-ray machine and the X-ray film or digital media. A foam vise will hold your head still. The vise does not hurt.
The technologist will cover the rest of your body with a lead apron (shield) so the rest of your body is not exposed to the X-rays.
Some sinus X-ray studies may require you to be in several different positions. It's very important to remain still during the X-ray. Any movement may affect the quality of the image. You may need to have another X-ray done in that case.
You don't need any special care after a sinus X-ray. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, depending on your situation.