Health Library Explorer

Sinus X-ray

What is a sinus X-ray?

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.

A sinus X-ray is simple and quick and doesn't involve any tools 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.


Why might I need a sinus X-ray?


  • Injury to your sinuses

  • Inflammation and fluid in the sinuses (sinusitis)

  • Infection

  • Bleeding


Your provider may have other reasons to advise a sinus X-ray. Talk with your healthcare provider about the reason for your sinus X-ray.

What are the risks of a sinus X-ray?





How do I get ready for a sinus X-ray?




  • Tell your healthcare provider if you have an artificial (prosthetic) eye. An artificial eye can create a confusing shadow on a sinus X-ray.


What happens during a sinus X-ray?


Generally, a sinus X-ray follows this process:


  2. 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.

  3. 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.



  6. 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.



What happens after a sinus X-ray?


Next steps


  • The name of the test or procedure

  • The reason you are having the test or procedure

  • What results to expect and what they mean

  • The risks and benefits of the test or procedure

  • What the possible side effects or complications are

  • When and where you are to have the test or procedure



  • Any alternative tests or procedures to think about

  • When and how you will get the results



Online Medical Reviewer: Neil Grossman MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 7/1/2021
Powered by StayWell
About StayWell