Sinus Infection Diagnosis

To determine if you have either acute or chronic sinusitis, and if that is the cause of your snoring, you should start with a visit to your doctor. Mostly likely he or she will refer you to a doctor of otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat doctor) who will run a series of simple to complex tests. A nose and throat exam will most likely be a starting point that will reveal potential blockages. This exam will help your doctor identify the possible abnormalities that may cause snoring.

X-ray or Computerized Tomography Scan (CT)

If your doctor needs a detailed image of your sinuses, he or she may order a CT scan (Computerized Tomography Scan). This test provides a detailed cross-sectional image of the sinuses and can be used to help identify the severity of infection inside the sinus cavities.

Allergy Tests

Identification of allergens that cause nasal congestion is a highly specific specialty that may involve skin or blood tests. In all likelihood, if your doctor feels you need allergy tests, he or she will refer you to an allergist for specialized testing.

Sleep Study

If it is suspected that you may have sleep apnea, your insurance company may require an over-night sleep study before they will pay for your treatment, whether it is surgery or another medical treatment that is necessary.

To learn more about how the various types of nasal obstruction can be treated, click here.