What does an ear nose throat doctor do on your first appointment for potential sinus problems?

Several things: They will tak a good history and then do an appropriate examination on all the ENT related areas of your body and according to your symptoms. A procedure may be necessary. Discuss this with the ENT doctor thoroughly before you have it done. Ask questions! they expect them. Ask them to show you a diagram or draw a picture for you to better understand.

Depends: It all depends on the problem. I start out by getting an extensive history (often people come in with sinus complaints but there issue is not sinusitis). After the physical exam i might perform a scope (to visualize the nasal passages). If we are thinking about surgery or concerned for chronic sinusitis i will order a ct scan.