Will a sinus infection go away with decongestant or do I need an antibiotic?!


Question: I went to see my internal medicine doctor yesterday because I felt lousy for over 3 days. The doctor said I had a viral infection and there wasn't much I could do but wait it out. This morning, I woke up with a sinus infection. I've had bad sinus infections in the past. I've been to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. I take Claritan-D every morning. I called the internal medicine doctor's office, but she's out today. I made an appointment for tomorrow. But, then I thought, since I was just there yesterday and I've had sinus infections before, wouldn't they be able to give me a prescription for an antibiotic today? I called the doctor's office again and talked to a nurse. She said that she'd ask another doctor (there are 6 internal medicine doctor's at this location). The nurse called back and said that another doctor will prescribe a strong decongestant, but not an antibiotic. I said I'll come in for the appointment tomorrow. Don't I need an antiboitic for a sinus infection?


Answers: I went to see my internal medicine doctor yesterday because I felt lousy for over 3 days. The doctor said I had a viral infection and there wasn't much I could do but wait it out. This morning, I woke up with a sinus infection. I've had bad sinus infections in the past. I've been to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. I take Claritan-D every morning. I called the internal medicine doctor's office, but she's out today. I made an appointment for tomorrow. But, then I thought, since I was just there yesterday and I've had sinus infections before, wouldn't they be able to give me a prescription for an antibiotic today? I called the doctor's office again and talked to a nurse. She said that she'd ask another doctor (there are 6 internal medicine doctor's at this location). The nurse called back and said that another doctor will prescribe a strong decongestant, but not an antibiotic. I said I'll come in for the appointment tomorrow. Don't I need an antiboitic for a sinus infection?

You do need an antibiotic. The doctors are shy about prescribing one without seeing you first, of course. If you can get zithromyacin, try to get that. It works so fast on sinus infections!

Here's what I learned from experience with my child's sinus infection. It requires careful treatment because the sinus cavity goes all the way up to the brain. Therefore, you should be very mindful, since a sinus infection could go to the brain. It is not just a matter of physical discomfort. If you begin to run a fever, notice that there is swelling and darkness around your eyes, speak to the doctor right away. Maybe they are reluctant to prescribe additional antibiotics for fear that you have taken it too often and could become resistant to it.

It is not that the doctors are shy, but it would be stupid and considered malpractice to prescribe something without seeing the patient or having a diagnosis consistent with the treatment.

An antibiotic would be useless for a viral infection.

If you do have a fever or worsening symptoms, I would see the doctor for your own protection, and health.

The chief goal of treatment is wiping out bacteria from the sinus cavities with antibiotics. This helps to prevent complications, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of chronic sinusitis.

For acute, uncomplicated cases, a synthetic penicillin is used



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