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A physician can accurately diagnose whether a patient has rhinosinusitis and determine what is causing the inflammation. An accurate diagnosis is crucial, because the different types of rhinosinusitis require different treatment methods.

A physical examination, patient medical history and list of symptoms are important parts of this diagnosis. The physician will look for tenderness over the sinus cavities, swelling of the mucous glands, nasal secretions, postnasal drip and swelling around the eyes. A sample of nasal discharge may be collected and tested for the presence of bacteria.

A sinus x-ray or computed axial tomography (CAT) scan may help better define the extent of rhinosinusitis in a patient and the degree of blockage present. A nasal endoscopy, or rhinoscopy, uses a camera and telescope to help the physician examine the area where the sinuses and middle ear drain into the nose.

If allergies are a suspected cause of rhinosinusitis, a number of tests may be used to identify the specific allergies triggering symptoms.