Which department should you visit for sphenoid sinusitis?
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, as an inflammatory condition of the sinus mucosa, sphenoid sinusitis requires patients to choose the appropriate medical department based on clinical characteristics, including mainly otolaryngology, neurology, radiology, allergy, and rhinology. Patients are advised to first visit the otolaryngology department for initial evaluation and then be referred to other relevant departments as recommended by the physician. It is important in daily life to maintain nasal hygiene and avoid exposure to dust.
In general, as an inflammatory disease of the nasal sinus mucosa, sphenoid sinusitis requires patients to choose the appropriate medical department according to the characteristics of their condition, mainly including otolaryngology, neurology, radiology, allergy (immunology), and rhinology. The details are as follows:
1. Otolaryngology: The sphenoid sinus is part of the paranasal sinuses and falls within the scope of otolaryngology. Doctors can directly observe the nasal cavity and the opening of the sphenoid sinus via nasal endoscopy, assess the severity of inflammation based on symptoms, and provide medication or basic treatment plans.
2. Neurology: Due to the deep location of the sphenoid sinus and its proximity to the brain, inflammation may cause severe headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms that can be easily confused with neurological conditions such as migraines. When these symptoms occur, patients should visit neurology to rule out intracranial lesions and determine whether the headache is caused by sphenoid sinusitis.
3. Radiology: Imaging examinations such as paranasal sinus CT or MRI can clearly show the extent of sphenoid sinus lesions, presence of fluid accumulation, or structural abnormalities, providing accurate evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
4. Allergy (Immunology) Department: If sphenoid sinusitis is related to allergic factors—such as onset or worsening after exposure to pollen or dust mites—patients should visit the allergy department for allergen testing to identify specific sensitizing substances. Subsequent desensitization therapy or allergen avoidance can help reduce recurrence of inflammation.
5. Rhinology: Some hospitals have dedicated rhinology departments, offering more specialized care for sinus diseases. For patients with sphenoid sinusitis unresponsive to medical treatment who require surgical intervention, rhinologists can perform precise minimally invasive surgery to remove the diseased tissue.
Patients are advised to first visit the otolaryngology department for initial evaluation, then be referred to other relevant departments as needed based on physician recommendations. Daily preventive measures include maintaining nasal hygiene, avoiding dust and irritant gases, preventing colds, and reducing the risk of sphenoid sinusitis flare-ups.
