You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Show
Sinusitis: Should I Take Antibiotics?
Get the factsYour options
Key points to remember
FAQs Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities. Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus. But it can also be caused by bacteria. Most people who get sinusitis have a cold first. Sinusitis can cause pain and pressure in your head and face. There are two types of sinusitis:
Your treatment will depend on the cause of your sinusitis. Most of the time, treatment includes medicines and taking care of yourself at home. Medicines that are used most often include:
You may have a bacterial infection in your sinuses if:
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. Antibiotics won't work for infections caused by a virus. Over-the-counter medicines and home treatment can help you feel better. Taking antibiotics you don't need won't help you feel better, cure your infection, or keep others from catching your infection. And if you take antibiotics too often, they may not work when you really do need them. Common but mild side effects of antibiotics include:
If you do take antibiotics, take them as directed. Keep taking them even after you start to feel better. The infection may not go away if you don't take all of the medicine your doctor prescribes. Whether sinusitis is caused by bacteria or by a virus, most people get better even if they don't take antibiotics.footnote 1 Home treatment for sinusitis can help relieve your symptoms. Here are some things you can do:
You doctor may recommend antibiotics if:
Compare your options
Take antibiotics to treat sinusitis Take antibiotics to treat sinusitis
Don't take antibiotics Don't take antibiotics
I've had sinusitis a few times. So when my doctor suggested I take an antibiotic, I asked him if I really needed it. He said I would probably get better faster if I took the medicine. But I know from the other times that I'll probably be okay in a week or so anyway. So we decided to wait and see instead of trying antibiotics. Maria, age 34 I can't wait to feel better. It seems like I've had bad sinus pain for the longest time. It's been at least 2 weeks. Nasal sprays aren't helping. I'm going to ask my doctor for antibiotics. David, 28 I thought I just had a bad cold, but my doctor says I have sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection. I've been doing all the right things at home, but it isn't going away. I think antibiotics are the next step for me. Carmen, 50 I thought I'd get my doctor to give me some antibiotics for my sinusitis. 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. John, age 52 What matters most to you?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. Reasons to take antibiotics for sinusitis Reasons not to take antibiotics I know I have a bacterial infection that is causing my sinusitis. A virus is causing my sinusitis. More important Equally important More important I've tried home treatment, but it has not helped. I want to try home treatment and other medicines first. More important Equally important More important The side effects of antibiotics don't bother me. I'm worried about the side effects of antibiotics. More important Equally important More important I want to take medicine if it will help me get better faster. I don't want to take medicine that I might not need if I'll get better soon anyway. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now?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. Taking antibiotics NOT taking antibiotics Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision?Certainty 1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Your SummaryHere's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Next stepsWhich way you're leaningHow sure you areYour commentsKey concepts that you understoodKey concepts that may need reviewPatient choicesCredits
References Citations
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Sinusitis: Should I Take Antibiotics?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
1. Get the FactsYour options
Key points to remember
FAQs What is sinusitis?Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities . Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus. But it can also be caused by bacteria. Most people who get sinusitis have a cold first. Sinusitis can cause pain and pressure in your head and face. There are two types of sinusitis:
How is sinusitis treated?Your treatment will depend on the cause of your sinusitis. Most of the time, treatment includes medicines and taking care of yourself at home. Medicines that are used most often include:
How do you know if your sinusitis is caused by bacteria?You may have a bacterial infection in your sinuses if:
How well do antibiotics work for sinusitis?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. Antibiotics won't work for infections caused by a virus. Over-the-counter medicines and home treatment can help you feel better. What are the risks of antibiotics?Taking antibiotics you don't need won't help you feel better, cure your infection, or keep others from catching your infection. And if you take antibiotics too often, they may not work when you really do need them. Common but mild side effects of antibiotics include:
If you do take antibiotics, take them as directed. Keep taking them even after you start to feel better. The infection may not go away if you don't take all of the medicine your doctor prescribes. How can you treat sinusitis without antibiotics?Whether sinusitis is caused by bacteria or by a virus, most people get better even if they don't take antibiotics.1 Home treatment for sinusitis can help relieve your symptoms. Here are some things you can do:
Why might your doctor recommend antibiotics for sinusitis?You doctor may recommend antibiotics if:
2. Compare your options
Personal storiesPersonal stories about antibiotics for sinusitisThese stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. "I've had sinusitis a few times. So when my doctor suggested I take an antibiotic, I asked him if I really needed it. He said I would probably get better faster if I took the medicine. But I know from the other times that I'll probably be okay in a week or so anyway. So we decided to wait and see instead of trying antibiotics." — Maria, age 34 "I can't wait to feel better. It seems like I've had bad sinus pain for the longest time. It's been at least 2 weeks. Nasal sprays aren't helping. I'm going to ask my doctor for antibiotics." — David, 28 "I thought I just had a bad cold, but my doctor says I have sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection. I've been doing all the right things at home, but it isn't going away. I think antibiotics are the next step for me." — Carmen, 50 "I thought I'd get my doctor to give me some antibiotics for my sinusitis. 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." — John, age 52 3. What matters most to you?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. Reasons to take antibiotics for sinusitis Reasons not to take antibiotics I know I have a bacterial infection that is causing my sinusitis. A virus is causing my sinusitis. More important Equally important More important I've tried home treatment, but it has not helped. I want to try home treatment and other medicines first. More important Equally important More important The side effects of antibiotics don't bother me. I'm worried about the side effects of antibiotics. More important Equally important More important I want to take medicine if it will help me get better faster. I don't want to take medicine that I might not need if I'll get better soon anyway. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?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. Taking antibiotics NOT taking antibiotics Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?Check the facts1. Is sinusitis most often caused by a virus?
You are right. Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus, and antibiotics don't work against a virus. 2. Is it okay to take antibiotics anytime you think they might help, even if you may not really need them?
You're right. 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. 3. Can antibiotics treat sinusitis that is caused by bacteria?
You're right. Antibiotics can treat short-term sinusitis when it is caused by bacteria. But many people get better even without antibiotics. Decide what's next1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Credits
References Citations
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version. How fast does azithromycin work for sinus infection?Our sinuses are hard to reach, so it can be two to three days before antibiotic treatment begins to take effect.
Will azithromycin clear up a sinus infection?The Z-Pak is a 5-day course of azithromycin (Zithromax), an antibiotic. It's used to treat certain bacterial infections, including some sinus infections and upper respiratory tract infections that lead to: Headaches. Sore throat.
What is the strongest antibiotic for sinus infection?Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) – This drug is a powerful antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections such as: Sinus Infection, Urinary Tract Infection and kidney infections.
How long does it take for a sinus infection to go away after taking antibiotics?Once a bacterial sinus infection is diagnosed and treated, patients usually respond to antibiotics in 2-3 days and sinus infections resolve anywhere between 7-14 days after that.
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