Depending on the cause, doctors may prescribe antibiotics for sinus infection, also called sinusitis. Show When an individual has a sinus infection, fluids accumulate in the air-filled cavities in the face. Typically, these sinuses have a thin lining of mucus that collects dust, germs, and other particles from the air. Tiny hair-like projections, called cilia, sweep the mucus and any particles trapped down the back of the throat into the stomach. However, in sinusitis, the mucus does not flow freely, and germs can multiply. Sinusitis, also called rhinosinusitis, is one of the most common reasons people visit doctors in the United States. Almost 15% of the population experiences sinus infections each year, and it is one of the top conditions that doctors prescribe antibiotics for. This article looks at antibiotics for a sinus infection, their benefits, and alternative treatment methods, including some natural remedies. An individual does not always need antibiotics for a sinus infection. Many sinus infections improve without antibiotic treatment. In addition, because many sinus infections are viral in origin, antibiotics do not help in these cases and can cause unpleasant side effects. Side effects can range from minor problems such as rashes to severe health issues, including antibiotic-resistant infections. People should therefore discuss their symptoms with a doctor and find out the best treatment for them. Doctors will only recommend antibiotics when they suspect bacterial sinusitis. Antibiotics are beneficial for bacterial sinusitis only. If an individual has a viral, fungal, or other sinus infection, antibiotics do not offer any benefits. If a person has bacterial sinusitis, treatment with appropriate antibiotics can help resolve the infection. However, evidence shows that antibiotic therapy may not shorten symptom duration or lessen the likelihood of developing complications. In fact, research shows that antibiotic treatment cures just 5–11% of people more quickly than if they receive no treatment. Many cases of bacterial sinusitis clear up by themselves within two weeks. Doctors often suggest 10–14 days of treatment with amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate if an individual has bacterial sinusitis. However, amoxicillins have become less effective in some areas because of antibiotic resistance. In these cases, a doctor may suggest switching to another antibiotic if there is no improvement in symptoms after a few days. The alternatives include:
Doctors may recommend the following nonantibiotic treatments for sinusitis:
Individuals with sinus infections could find the following natural remedies helpful in relieving uncomfortable symptoms:
People may experience the following symptoms of sinus infections:
A combination of environmental and other factors can cause sinus infections, including:
Viruses are the most common cause of sinus infections, and around 90% of people with colds have some form of viral sinusitis. Viral sinusitis is usually self-limiting. However, an individual should make an appointment with their doctor if they experience the following:
Additionally, people should seek medical attention if they have had multiple sinus infections in the past year. A sinus infection causes fluids to accumulate in the air-filled cavities in the face, and mucus no longer flows freely. Viruses and bacteria can then multiply and cause uncomfortable symptoms. These include facial pain, a runny or stuffy nose, and a cough. Sinus infections can also occur due to irritants, allergens, and fungi. Individuals do not always need antibiotics for sinus infections and using them when unnecessary can lead to unpleasant side effects. However, if a doctor believes the cause is bacterial, they may prescribe them. If a person has bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics can help. But it is important to note that most cases of bacterial sinusitis clear up without treatment within 2 weeks. People can help ease symptoms by inhaling steam, keeping the surrounding air moist, using nasal decongestants, and taking over-the-counter pain-relieving medication. What is the strongest antibiotic for sinus infection?Amoxicillin remains the drug of choice for acute, uncomplicated bacterial sinusitis. Amoxicillin is most effective when given frequently enough to sustain adequate levels in the infected tissue. While often prescribed twice daily, it is even more effective if taken in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Why won't my sinus infection go away with antibiotics?Why Won't My Sinus Infection Go Away with Antibiotics? There are few reasons that antibiotics may be ineffective for sinusitis. Antibiotics are only capable of killing bacteria, so inflammation from other sources can't be managed by them. Sinusitis is often a result of a viral infection like a cold or the flu.
What will a doctor prescribe for a severe sinus infection?Your doctor may recommend treatments to help relieve sinusitis symptoms, including:. Saline nasal spray, which you spray into your nose several times a day to rinse your nasal passages.. Nasal corticosteroids. ... . Decongestants. ... . Allergy medications.. Does a severe sinus infection need antibiotics?Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems.
|