Your GP can usually diagnose sinusitis from your symptoms.
Sinusitis is nearly always caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu, and is diagnosed based on the presence of:
- nasal blockage or runny nose with facial pain, and/or
- a reduction or loss of sense of smell
Loss of smell is more common and facial pain less common in chronic (persistent) sinusitis.
Referral to a specialist
If your sinusitis is severe or keeps coming back, your GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who will carry out tests to determine the underlying cause.
You may have an X-ray or CT scan to find out the cause of your sinusitis (a series of X-rays are taken for a CT scan, to produce a detailed picture of your sinuses).
