You might think that antibiotics are what you need to treat sinusitis, the inflammation of the sinuses. Still, unless there is bacterial growth, that would not be helpful and could actually prove to be harmful. Inflammation can be caused by pollen or dust, with or without a microorganism causing infection. Early sinus infections are a type of sinusitis caused by viruses, which, being only a few genes protected by protein, are too simple to be affected by antibiotics.
We all have bacteria in our systems, and if they are exposed to, for example, penicillin, they can evolve resistance to it.
Then, if those penicillin-resistant bacteria become overgrown and create an infection, we will have to be treated with newer, more expensive antibiotics. This keeps pharmaceutical firms rushing to invent ever-newer drugs that the bacteria have not been exposed to yet.
It’s crucial to understand that the overuse of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant public health risk. This is why it’s important to use antibiotics judiciously and only when necessary.
In early sinusitis, it is very rarely a bacterial cause. If a sinus infection lasts longer than ten days, your physician might suspect bacteria landing on all that mucus have decided to come to the party and start growing. In that case, antibiotics could be prescribed, but let’s not let things get that far:
Treatments for Acute Sinusitis
Saline Irrigation
Saline irrigation, a simple yet effective method, involves gently pouring or spraying salt water into the nose. This natural approach not only removes irritants like pollen, dust, and viruses but also provides relief from sinusitis symptoms.
Over-the-counter corticosteroid Nasal Sprays
These sprays lower inflammation and are available in weak strengths. More concentrated versions are available by prescription. Some prescription-strength corticosteroid nasal sprays include:
- Beconase or Vancenase (beclomethasone nasal) – usual dose, one to two inhalations into each nostril twice a day
- Dymista (azelastine hydrochloride) – recommended dose, one inhalation into each nostril once a day
- Nasarel (flunisolide) – recommended dose, two sprays into each nostril twice a day
- Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate) – recommended dose, two sprays into each nostril, twice daily
- Qnasl (beclomethasone dipropionate) – usual dose, two sprays into each nostril daily
- Veramyst (fluticasone furoate) – usual dose, two sprays into each nostril once a day
- Zetonna (ciclesonide) – usual dose, one spray per nostril, once a day
Other Treatments
- Pseudoephedrine: Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that can help to decrease the swelling of the mucus membranes.
- Antihistamines: If the cause is allergies, antihistamines may be the way to go for sinusitis.
- Corticosteroids (Prednisone or Dexamethasone): In severe cases, these may help significantly decrease mucus membrane swelling.
Antibiotics for Acute Sinusitis (If Symptoms >10 days)
- Amoxicillin – 500 mg orally three times daily or 875 mg orally twice daily
- Augmentin – 500 mg/125 mg orally three times daily or 875 mg/125 mg orally twice daily
- Doxycycline – 100 mg orally twice daily or 200 mg orally daily (for patients with penicillin allergies)
- Levofloxacin – 750 mg or 500 mg orally once daily
If your symptoms persist for more than ten days, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional about potential antibiotic therapy. Our QuickMD doctors are available to assist you and can prescribe antibiotics online for sinusitis if necessary.
