Health Information

Sinus X-ray

What is a sinus X-ray?


X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create images of your bones and internal organs. X-rays are most often used to detect 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 does not 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 does not 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 certain cases.

Why might I need a sinus X-ray?

You may need a sinus X-ray if your health care provider thinks that you may have:

  • Injury to your sinuses
  • Inflammation (sinusitis)
  • Infection
  • Hemorrhage
  • Tumor or other mass

You may also need a sinus X-ray after sinus surgery.


What are the risks of a sinus X-ray?



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, the technologist will take special care to keep the radiation exposure to the fetus at a minimum.


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

  • Tell your healthcare provider 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. A foam vise will hold your head still. The vise does not hurt.
  3. The technologist may cover the rest of  your body with a lead apron (shield) so you are not exposed to the X-rays.
  4. The technologist will ask you to hold still for a few moments while the X-ray is made.
  5. If the X-ray is needed to look at a possible injury, the technologist will take special care to prevent further injury. For example, you may wear a neck brace if your healthcare provider thinks you have a cervical spine fracture.
  6. Some sinus X-ray studies may require you to be in several different positions. It is 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.
  7. The technologist will step behind a special window while the image is taken.


What happens after a sinus X-ray?

You do not need any special care after a sinus X-ray. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, depending on your situation.

Next steps

  • The name of the test or procedure
  • The reason you are having the test or procedure
  • The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
  • When and how will you get the results