While sinus infections can be quite painful, antibiotics often do not help in treating the condition. Sinus infections affect approximately 37 million people in the U. The majority of sinus infections are viral in nature, and antibiotics do not cure viral infections. Taking antibiotics for viral infections also will not:. In order to distinguish a bacterial sinus infection from an infection caused by a virus or other contributing factor, your doctor will observe your symptoms and possibly conduct other tests, such as a CT scan or cultures.
Antibiotics are only effective on bacterial infections, and even in cases involving bacteria, the body can often cure itself of mild or moderate infections within a few days.
Taking unnecessary antibiotics for a sinus infection is not only ineffectual, but can actually be harmful to the patient.
Risks of taking unneeded antibiotics include:. This overuse of antibiotics for sinus infections, as well as other conditions, can lead to antibiotic resistance, a state in which bacteria change over time as a reaction to antibiotic treatment, in order to survive and multiply, thus making the antibiotics less effective. So how does one judge when it is appropriate to prescribe antibiotics for a sinus infection?
There are several sets of official guidelines, which are all similar. The symptoms can then be treated with a cocktail of over-the-counter medications and supportive care, like nasal saline irrigation, nasal steroid sprays, decongestants, and pain medications.
Of course, many patients expect and demand antibiotics for sinus infections, and even those who are open to watchful waiting may hear about the rare but possible complications of things like, oh, brain abscess, and opt to treat.
In the case of my patient above, she met criteria for treatment. She weighed the watchful waiting option against the potential risks of antibiotics for her sinus infection, and chose the prescription.
I can tell you from very close follow-up that she improved quickly, though in truth, we will never really know if she would have gotten better anyway. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Very Helpful information for my family because most of them are infected.
After doing much research Finally, have found a useful article. Rarely have I taken antibiotics,. Regular nasal wash and allergy shots have helped.
Do you recommend allergy shots and probiotics after antibiotics.? I am fortunate enough to have a strong relationship with my primary care physician and she recognizes my self-knowledge. For the first time in my 46 years, I have gone more than 4 months without a sinus infection or even a URI.
I have chronic post nasal drip. Now have left forehead ache, not severe but troublesome. Then I'd be over it sooner. But it turns out that antibiotics won't help me, since my sinusitis started as a cold. I didn't know that antibiotics don't always work. I'm going to wait it out instead. Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts.
Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. I don't want to take medicine that I might not need if I'll get better soon anyway. Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Is it okay to take antibiotics anytime you think they might help, even if you may not really need them? Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Author: Healthwise Staff. Mintz MD - Otolaryngology. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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Important Phone Numbers. Sinusitis: Should I Take Antibiotics? Get the facts. Your options Take antibiotics to treat sinusitis. Don't take antibiotics. Try other medicines and home treatment instead. Key points to remember Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the lining of the sinuses.
Sinusitis usually goes away on its own. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus , so antibiotics won't help. Antibiotics do work if sinusitis is caused by bacteria. But you may not need to take them. Most people get better even if they don't take antibiotics. Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful.
The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it. This is called antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics have side effects. The most common ones include upset stomach, diarrhea, and belly pain. Antibiotics can also lead to vaginal yeast infections.
What is sinusitis? There are two types of sinusitis: Acute short-term. Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a virus. It can last for 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms often start to clear up on their own in 10 to 14 days.
Chronic long-term. Chronic sinusitis is usually caused by bacteria. Worrisome symptoms that can warrant immediate antibiotic treatment include a fever over Note that some health care providers recommend CT scans when they suspect sinus infections.
Most people recover from sinus infections caused by colds in about a week, but several self-help steps may bring some relief sooner:. It also helps to elevate your head when lying down to ease postnasal drip.
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