Suppose you have been suffering from sinus infection symptoms, such as facial pain or pressure, a stuffy nose, a sore throat, or a cough. In that case, you may wonder if antibiotics are necessary for sinus infections and “what antibiotics for sinus infection.” The answer is not always clear-cut, and it is important to understand when antibiotics are indicated and when they may not be necessary.
Let us discuss the factors to consider when deciding whether antibiotics should be administered for sinus infections. We will also cover other possible treatments and preventive measures to help manage sinus infection symptoms.
Real Life Example
It was the middle of winter, and the clinic was bustling with patients suffering from various respiratory illnesses, from the common cold to bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis. Patients frequently misdiagnose their conditions and seek antibiotics for conditions other than sinusitis and respiratory infections.
On our list, “sinus infection” was listed as the primary problem for a few patients. They suffered from a common cold-induced stuffy nose and sinuses for almost two weeks. Most of these patients were accompanied by their children. Or they explained that they weren’t expecting to have these symptoms because their small children had been unwell with colds all winter.
They thought they were getting better when some patients’ congestion eased slightly. A few days before their scheduled consultation, however, they awoke to find that their nasal passages were fully blocked, and they were experiencing excruciating agony in the space between their eyes.
Green pus was seeping from the left tear duct of one patient, who seemed to be in a critical condition. She felt cold and shaky all over and wondered, “Do I maybe need antibiotics?” If yes, what antibiotics for sinus infection?
Sinus infections often heal without the need for antibiotic treatment
A clinical practice evaluation of acute sinus infections in adults, defined as sinus infections lasting less than four weeks, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. An updated evaluation was likely needed because most acute sinus infections are treated with antibiotics, even though most will improve or clear on their own within one to two weeks.
85% of sinus infections get better or go away on their own, whereas 15% do not. In fact, taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to many side effects, including digestive issues and an increased risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
When antibiotics are not needed, it’s best to allow the body to fight off the infection itself. Home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, and taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help to reduce symptoms. At the same time, the body fights off the infection.
Although it can be tempting to ask for antibiotics to clear up a sinus infection, they are often unnecessary and may do more harm than good. Talking with your doctor about your symptoms is important before deciding if antibiotics are the right treatment for sinus infections.
Virus-caused sinuses
Although it’s easy to assume that any infection requires antibiotics, this is not always the case with sinus infections. Viruses cause most sinus infections; therefore, these infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, even if they’re persistent. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, so taking antibiotics will not help you recover if your sinus infection is viral.
The good news is that many sinus infections can be cleared without antibiotics or other treatments with the body’s natural healing process and the help of home remedies. It’s essential to get a diagnosis from your doctor before attempting to treat your symptoms at home, as some sinus infections may require antibiotic treatment.
Now the question is how to determine if and when an individual should be given antibiotics for a sinus infection.
Sinus infections that need medication
In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary for sinus infections. These medications are typically prescribed when the symptoms last more than 10 days or if you have a weakened immune system. Your Beverly Hills ENT may also recommend antibiotics if the infection is severe and affects the tissue in your nose and face. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- Severe facial pain or pressure
- Thick, discolored discharge from the nose
- Double or blurred vision
- A stiff neck or headache
- Pain and swelling around the eyes
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
However, doctors should always discuss the possibility of “watchful waiting” with their patients. That means that they let them know that the majority of sinus infections resolve without drugs in about a week to two. Your doctor may prescribe a short course of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, to fight the infection.
If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days, your doctor may recommend a stronger antibiotic. You can use a combination of OTC drugs and supportive treatment, such as pain relievers and nasal steroid sprays. It’s important to finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better. This will help ensure that the infection has been fully treated.
What did we do to the patient above?
In the instance of our patient, she met the criteria for sinus therapy. We considered the hazards of medications for her sinus infection versus the benefits of watching and waiting and ultimately decided to give her a prescription. Thankfully, she made rapid progress. However, it is unclear whether or not she would have recovered despite our efforts.
Professional and experienced ENT doctor Beverly Hills
Contact Dr. Madison Richardson, an experienced ENT doctor Beverly Hills, at 310-360-9520 if you have any signs of a serious sinus infection. Just so you know, an ENT is a medical professional who focuses on problems related to the ears, nose, and throat. Doctors in this field are sometimes referred to as otolaryngologists.
Back to Dr. Richardson, he has over 40 years of expertise and is a foremost expert in head and neck cancer. With a specialization in otolaryngology, Dr. Richardson has earned the highest level of surgical certification possible.
He is an expert at treating many otorhinolaryngological conditions and has helped countless patients overcome problems like sinus, snoring, voice disorders, and hearing impairment. Allergies, sleep apnea, and other problems related to the head and neck are also treatable by him.
Do yourself a favor and contact Dr. Richardson today to set up an appointment.