Key Takeaways:

• A sinus CT scan creates detailed images of the sinus cavities and surrounding structures.
• Imaging is recommended when symptoms last longer than 12 weeks or return repeatedly.
• CT findings can reveal nasal polyps, obstructed drainage pathways, and structural problems such as a deviated septum.
• Information from sinus CT scans helps your ENT doctor choose treatments that are specific to your symptoms.

Why a Sinus CT Scan May Be Necessary

Chronic sinus problems such as congestion, facial pressure, headaches, postnasal drip, and fatigue, rarely have a single cause. Although routine exams allow Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana, rhinologists like Dr. Higgins to view the front of the nasal passages, they do not provide detailed images of sinus cavities that extend deeper into the skull.

A sinus CT scan delivers cross‑sectional images that show bone and soft tissue simultaneously, making it possible to see inflammation, trapped fluid, and areas where the normal drainage system is narrowed or blocked. Traditional sinus exams cannot assess the sinuses with this level of detail.

When is Sinusitis Considered Chronic?

Most sinus infections resolve within one to two weeks. If symptoms such as congestion, pressure, drainage, or a reduced sense of smell persist beyond 12 weeks, or if they recur several times a year, Dr. Higgins may suspect chronic sinusitis and recommend further investigation into the issue.

CT imaging scans of chronic sinus disease may show:

• Thickened or inflamed sinus linings
• Accumulation of mucus or fluid within one or more sinuses
• Narrowed or blocked sinus openings
• Nasal polyps extending into the nasal passages or sinus cavities
• Deviated septum or other structural variations that interfere with airflow and drainage

Abnormal Sinus Structures and Chronic Sinus Symptoms

In many patients, the underlying problem is structural. Even in the absence of an active infection, a crooked septum, narrow drainage channels, or small bony outgrowths can prevent mucus from clearing properly. The result is ongoing inflammation, worsening symptoms, and recurring infections.

CT imaging allows Dr. Higgins to find and analyze structural sinus abnormalities. If procedures such as balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery are considered, a sinus CT scan should be completed prior to these minimally invasive treatments.

Scan Results Guide Treatment Plans

Depending on the findings, Dr. Higgins may recommend one or more of the following:

• Prescription intranasal corticosteroid sprays or irrigations
• Short courses of oral medications, such as steroids or antibiotics when appropriate
• Allergy testing and management if allergies appear to be a contributing factor
• mage‑guided procedures, including balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic septoplasty, that improve drainage and alleviate breathing issues.

By using imaging to define the contributing factors of chronic sinusitis symptoms, treatment can be tailored to those specific causes of your symptoms rather than relying on ineffective, short‑term relief.

Struggling with chronic sinus issues? Dr. Thomas Higgins offers advanced sinus care in Louisville at either the St. Matthews location in The Springs Medical Complex or at Old Brownsboro Crossing. The Indiana office is located in Springhill Commons in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Schedule your consultation for personalized diagnosis and treatment at the location nearest to you.