Uncomplicated sinusitis is diagnosed by clinical presentation. Major factors to indicate sinusitis include facial pain, nasal congestion, nasal blockage, discolored mucus, loss of smell, and fever. Minor factors that indicate sinusitis include headache, bad breath, tooth pain, ear pain, fatigue, cough, and otalgia (earache).[1] Additional testing (e.g., cultures) and imaging (e.g., computed tomography) may be done if a bacterial or fungal infection or a chronic or complex disease is suspected.[2] [1]
How is sinusitis diagnosed?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Sinusitis is diagnosed primarily through clinical presentation, and the major indicators include facial pain, nasal congestion, and discolored mucus, among others. Additional testing and imaging may be performed if a bacterial or fungal infection or a chronic condition is suspected.