This article outlines the signs they look for and the diagnostic tests they may prescribe. True bacterial sinusitis can usually only be definitively diagnosed using expensive procedures and imaging techniques. Fortunately, such procedures are rarely needed, since most cases of sinusitis are mild. Others believe that true sinusitis is often mistakenly diagnosed as allergies and can lead to serious illness without treatment. Diagnosing Acute Sinusitis Assessing Symptoms.
Children are less likely to experience facial pain and headache.
When the diagnosis is unclear or complications are suspected, certain imaging technique may be required. An important first step in diagnosing sinusitis is the thorough consideration of the patient's medical history by a physician. The patient should also describe symptoms such as nasal discharge and specific pain in the face and head, including eye and tooth pain. Parents or other caregivers of children with sinusitis should also report recent viral illness, whether the child attends a day care center, injury to the head or face, and any family history of allergies, immune disorders, cystic fibrosis, or immotile cilia syndrome. The physician will press the forehead and cheekbones to check for tenderness and check for other signs of sinusitis, including yellow to yellow-green nasal discharge, a lack of response to decongestants, and toothache toward the back of the mouth.