Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification/in case of complications.
- Anterior rhinoscopy (examination of the anterior nasal segment by means of a nasal speculum) or nasal endoscopy (nasal endoscopy; nasal cavity endoscopy, i.e., examination of the anterior and posterior nasal segments) possibly with biopsy (tissue sampling) – in case of suspected
- Nasal polyps or polyposis nasi.
- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS, simultaneous inflammation of the nasal mucosa (“rhinitis”) and the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses) as the method of first choice; also in recurrent (recurring) acute rhinosinusitis (ARS).
- Sonography (ultrasound examination) of the paranasal sinuses – if chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is suspected (limited assessability, therefore rarely indicated)[fluid retention in the maxillary sinus and frontalis?]
- Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses (NNH-CT; sectional imaging procedure (X-ray images from different directions with computer-based evaluation)) or digital volume tomography (DVT; three-dimensional imaging tomography procedure using X-rays) – is probative for rhinosinusitis, but usually not indicated. Indications: to exclude other pathologies (or further questions in CRS) or for surgical planningNote: In 18-45% of children without CRS, abnormalities are found in the NNH-CT.
- Magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses (NNH-MRI; computer-assisted cross-sectional imaging (using magnetic fields, that is, without X-rays))-is demonstrative of rhinosinusitis but usually not indicated; may also be used as a diagnostic exclusion in patients with increased sensitivity to radiation (e.g., children) Indications: Tumors/intracranial complications of CRS.
