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Illustrations
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Alternative names
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Definition
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How the test is performed
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How to prepare for the test
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How the test will feel
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Why the test is performed
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What abnormal results mean
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What the risks are
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Special considerations
Illustrations
Sinuses
Alternative names
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Paranasal sinus radiography; X-ray - sinuses
Definition
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A sinus X-ray is an examination involving images of the air-filled cavities in the frontal bones on the skull that are lined with a mucous membrane.
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation like light, but of higher energy, so they can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray.
How the test is performed
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The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an X-ray technician. You will be asked to sit in a chair so that any fluids in the sinus may be easily seen on the pictures. Your head may be placed in different positions as the pictures are taken.
How to prepare for the test
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Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:
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Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
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Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
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Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
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Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
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Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the test will feel
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Generally, there is little or no discomfort associated with X-rays.
Why the test is performed
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This test is performed when symptoms of sinusitis or other sinus disorders are present.
What abnormal results mean
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The X-ray may detect tumors, obstruction, infection, and bleeding.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include the following:
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Meningitis
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Orbital cellulitis
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Acute sinusitis
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Chronic sinusitis
What the risks are
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There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk of most X-rays is smaller than other risks we take every day. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of X-rays.
Special considerations
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A CT scan of the sinuses is often preferred over X-rays because CT offers superior cross-sectional imaging capability and the opportunity to identify other possible causes for the symptoms.
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