Ultrasound of the paranasal sinuses is an imaging examination that allows assessment of the condition of the nasal sinuses and detection of possible disorders such as sinusitis, polyps, tumors, and other pathologies that affect normal breathing. This method is safe and effective for diagnosing various diseases of the nasal cavity and surrounding tissues.
When is ultrasound of the paranasal sinuses indicated?
Ultrasound of the paranasal sinuses may be recommended in the following cases:
- Nasal congestion and a persistent feeling of pressure in the sinus area, especially when accompanied by headaches.
- Frequent or prolonged sinusitis that does not respond well to standard treatment.
- Impaired nasal breathing due to swelling, polyps, or anatomical abnormalities.
- Swelling or pain in the forehead, cheeks, or orbital region, which may indicate inflammation of the maxillary or frontal sinuses.
- Suspicion of tumors or cysts in the paranasal sinuses.
- Assessment of the sinuses after previous inflammatory conditions or facial trauma.
Advantages of paranasal sinus ultrasound
- Safety — ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation and is completely safe, including for children and pregnant women.
- Accuracy — the method allows detection of inflammation, polyps, cysts, and other abnormalities affecting sinus health.
- Painlessness — the procedure causes no discomfort and does not require invasive interventions.
- Accessibility — sinus ultrasound is available in most medical facilities and takes only a few minutes.
How is paranasal sinus ultrasound performed?
During the examination, the patient sits or lies down, and a special gel is applied to the area of the nose and forehead to improve contact with the ultrasound transducer. The physician moves the transducer over the facial surface to examine the paranasal sinuses and assess their condition. The procedure is quick and painless, usually taking no more than 10 minutes.
For more precise diagnostics, additional imaging methods such as radiography or computed tomography (CT) may be used; however, ultrasound is often one of the first diagnostic steps in evaluating sinus diseases.
Paranasal sinus ultrasound is available in leading clinics in Belarus, where qualified specialists provide accurate examinations and offer individualized treatment recommendations.
