Do I Need a CT Sinus Scan?
CT sinus scan showing severe chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps through multiple sinus cavities
Are sinus infections or stubborn congestion starting to take over your life?
Maybe you feel like you are always on antibiotics. Maybe you are tired of missing work or canceling plans because of sinus pressure and headaches. Many people wonder whether a CT scan of the sinuses could finally explain what is going on.
If you only get an occasional sinus infection—perhaps once a year—it usually makes sense to stay the course with medical management: antibiotics when needed, nasal steroid sprays, and sometimes oral steroids during flares.
But if you are getting multiple infections every year and this has been happening for years, or if you have chronic nasal congestion, facial pressure, or sinus headaches that do not respond to medicine, it may be time to take a closer look.
Why a CT Scan Can Help
A sinus CT scan is the only way to objectively confirm chronic rhinosinusitis (chronic sinus inflammation). A scan shows the location and extent of disease, helps distinguish a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates from true sinus blockage, and gives us a detailed map to guide any needed procedures. We do not use contrast dye for routine sinus CT scans, which keeps the process quick and simple.
A picture really is worth a thousand words.
One Visit Instead of Three
Traditionally, getting a sinus CT is a three-step process:
Office visit with an ENT
Separate trip to a radiology center for the scan
Return office visit to review the results
Each step means another request off work, another round of driving, finding parking, and waiting.
At Girgis ENT, we do it all in one visit. You can be examined, have your sinus CT scan, and review the images during the same appointment. This saves you time, eliminates extra travel, and speeds up treatment.
Next Steps
If you are struggling with frequent sinus infections, facial pain or pressure, or long-standing nasal congestion, a sinus CT scan can provide clear answers and a more effective treatment plan. Schedule a visit and we can examine you, scan your sinuses right in the office, and review the images together—all in one visit.
