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Perhaps the most popular way of diagnosing severe sinus problems is the CT Scan. Oftentimes called the CAT Scan, CT Scan or Computed Tomography is an imaging test which makes use of x-rays to provide accurate, highly detailed pictures of what is going on inside your body. When used as a diagnostic tool for sinusitis, CT scan presents actual images of the sinus, providing a great deal of information about the severity of your sinus problems. It also provides real-time imaging which may be useful for guiding surgeons when performing minimally invasive procedures. Claustrophobic patients and those who don’t feel good around closed spaces may also benefit from undergoing CT Scan instead of having their sinuses examined via MRI. Not a few cases requiring surgical biopsy and exploratory surgeries have been spared by this imaging technique as well. While very useful in determining the actual conditions of the sinuses, not many people are very enthusiastic about undergoing this process. The biggest drawback of undergoing a CT Scan is the need to ingest a contrasting agent, in general, 24 ounces of this chalk-tasting drink. This contrasting agent is made mostly of diluted barium which will help the scanner to gather more vivid images of your sinuses. You will have to drink the first 12 ounces of this liquid four hours before you undergo the procedure. The second half would follow 40 minutes before the actual scanning. This diluted barium mixture comes in different types and flavors. All, however, taste awful as reported by many. There is simply no good way to drink this liquid. To reduce the aftertaste produced by the contrast, try holding your nose before gulping the liquid down. Also, follow the instructions in the label of the barium drink. Drink it all at once and don’t stop until you have finished the content of the bottle. There is an alternative to drinking a contrasting agent, though – the intravenous contrast. Like anything that is delivered via an injection, you will feel slight discomfort, although arguably much less uncomfortable than downing two 12-ounce bottles of barium liquid. Expect to feel mild pin prick on your skin and flushed, warm sensation while the material is being injected, though. You may also taste something metallic in your mouth. Some patients experience sensations similar to urinating, although this may subside instantly after the injection of the material is over. To know your options, talk to your doctor or your technologist. The prospect of undergoing CT Scan may also sound a bit inconvenient if you rely on nasal irrigation to temporarily relieve your sinusitis symptoms. Twenty-four hours before CT Scan is performed, your doctor will advise you to avoid irrigating your nose. Special requirements may also be recommended for meal schedules for all patients to ensure that scanning will proceed smoothly. You may not be a big fan of undergoing a CT Scan to identify the problems affecting your sinus. But, be assured that other exams pale in comparison to the benefits of CT Scan. Unlike other diagnostic tools, CT Scan for sinusitis allows a more comprehensive, closer view of your sinuses. It is easier for doctors to spot the problems with your sinuses this way. Once the worse is over – the actual procedure, that is – you will appreciate the benefits of this imaging technique. For more information, please visit http://www.sinusdynamics.com/
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