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Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)Stuffy nose that just isn’t getting better? You might have a sinus infection, also called sinusitis Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections, but your doctor can decide if you need an antibiotic. CausesSinus infections happen when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses). This fluid buildup allows germs to grow. Viruses cause most sinus infections, but bacteria can cause some sinus infections. Risk FactorsSeveral factors can increase your risk of getting a sinus infection:
SymptomsCommon symptoms of sinus infections include:
When you have a sinus infection, one or more of your sinuses becomes inflamed. Fluid builds up, which can cause congestion and runny nose. Talk to a healthcare professional right away if your child is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher. When to Seek Medical CareSee a doctor if you have:
You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year. This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning. Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including:
TreatmentYour doctor will determine if you have a sinus infection by asking about symptoms and examining you. 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. These problems can include severe allergic reactions, antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff infection. C. diff causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death. However, in some cases, you may need antibiotics. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your illness. For some sinus infections, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting or delayed antibiotic prescribing.
How to Feel BetterBelow are some ways to help relieve sinus pain and pressure:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed. Over-the-Counter Medicine and ChildrenCarefully read and follow instructions on over-the-counter medicine product labels before giving medicines to children. Some over-the-counter medicines are not recommended for children of certain ages.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size. Also, tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking. PreventionYou can help prevent sinus infections by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including:
How long does it take for antibiotics to work for sinus infection?Antibiotics work in most cases of acute sinusitis that are caused by bacteria. Most people start feeling better 3 to 4 days after they start taking the medicine.
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 is best antibiotic for sinus infection?The recommended choices are amoxicillin or amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate (Augmentin) for 5 to 10 days. Doxycycline is a good alternative for people with penicillin allergy, followed by levofloxacin or moxifloxacin.
Do antibiotics break up sinus infection?Sinus infections caused by viruses and bacteria have many of the same symptoms. Often, the infection stems from a viral infection, like a cold. In most of these cases, antibiotics won't work because they don't, and can't, attack viruses. (But there are remedies you can use at home to help relieve your symptoms.)
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