Sinusitis: Diagnosis...

Factors which may predispose to developing sinusitis include:

• allergies
• structural problems  eg a deviated septum
• small sinus ostia
• smoking
• nasal polyps
• carrying the cystic fibrosis gene (research is still tentative)
• prior bouts of sinusitis as each instance may result in increased inflammation of the nasal or sinus mucosa and potentially further narrow the openings.

Several prediction rules have been developed to aid in diagnosis based on the history and physical.
The most consistently identified predictor is the presence of purulent rhinorrhea offensive nasal discharge).

When imaging techniques are required for diagnosis CT scanning is the method of choice. If allergies are suspected, allergy testing may be performed