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Sinus CT scan
sinus CT · CT of the paranasal sinuses · CT scan of the nose and sinuses
Cross-section images of your nose and sinuses. They show swelling, fluid, polyps, and the structure of the nose.
For frequent or long-lasting sinusitis, before nose surgery, or when an X-ray gave no clear answer.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 to 10 minutes in the room; the scan itself takes a few seconds; the report the same day or in 1 to 2 days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Prep. Usually none. Contrast dye is rarely used for the sinuses. You can eat and drink.
- Metal. Take off earrings, hair clips, glasses, removable dentures, and hearing aids.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past sinus images
How it goes
- You lie on the table, and the technician helps you get comfortable
- The table moves into the wide ring of the scanner
- Your head rests in a holder, sometimes while you lie on your stomach
- Do not move or swallow for a few seconds
What you'll feel
- It does not hurt. The scanner hums quietly
- The ring is wide, so it does not feel cramped
Afterwards
- You can go about your day right away
- Take the report and images to your ENT doctor
Common questions
Why is a sinus CT better than an X-ray?
CT shows all the sinuses and their passages in detail. This matters before surgery and in complex cases.
Can I have a sinus CT with a runny nose?
Yes. But if the CT is planned, your doctor may ask you to have it after a cold has cleared.