Thursday, March 21, 2024

Sinus Infection Go Away Without Antibiotics

Cold Vs Viral Sinus Infection Vs Bacterial Sinus Infection

Sinus Infection Not Going Away?

Many cold symptoms, flu symptoms, and sinus infection symptoms overlap with each other. To make matters more complicated, not all symptoms arent necessarily guaranteed. For example, even if you have a bacterial sinus infection, you may or may not have a fever, or you may or may not have a sore throat, etc.

However, its still worth knowing the differing symptoms between all these health issues, especially when it comes to fevers.

Reduced Or Complete Loss Of The Sense Of Smell

Untreated sinus infection can diminish or completely deprive you of your sense of smell . This can be due to inflammation and blockage of your nasal passages, or damage to the olfactory nerve.

Though the loss of smell from a sinus infection is often transient, it can be permanent in severe cases, wreaking havoc on the quality of your life and overall wellbeing.

Medical Treatment Of Sinus Infections

In almost every case where a sinus infection becomes something more or is deemed a chronic condition, antibiotics are employed as the primary treatment. Most medical professionals will tell you that antibiotics should only be used when the symptoms of a cold or a sinus infection become too great for the body to handlethis is common in young children and elderly adultsor when the infection lasts for more than 14 days. There can be a number of causes for a chronic sinus infection or an infection of the lungs and airways, which is why a physician should be consulted if you dont think your body is handling the sinus infection properly.

If you are experiencing more sinus infections than normal, schedule a checkup with your physician or ask to be referred to an ENT specialist. When all else fails, the professionals probably wont.

Also Check: Over The Counter Antibiotics For Vaginal Infection

The Various Antibiotics Are Equally Effective

Several studies compared the effectiveness of the various for the treatment of cystitis. The researchers found that all of the drugs they looked at relieved the symptoms equally well. The most suitable medication will depend on various factors, including the following:

  • Are there any reasons why you canât use a particular antibiotic, for instance because youâre allergic to it, canât tolerate it, or are pregnant?
  • Do you have a greater risk of complications? Do you have other medical conditions or a urinary ?
  • Are some more likely to have certain side effects than others?
  • Are some more likely to kill the specific type of causing the infection?

Some are âresistant,â meaning that they donât respond to certain , so the antibiotics donât work. Bacteria can become resistant if antibiotics are used too often.

Will My Sinus Infection Clear Up On Its Own

Getting Rid of a Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics
Topics in this Post

The first few weeks of the common cold aren’ fun, but the acute sinusitis that can develop afterwards doesn’t help either. Unfortunately, sinus congestion and the common cold go hand in hand. Acute sinusitis frequently is caused by the common cold, but also can be caused by allergies and bacterial and fungal infections.

You May Like: Ophthalmic Antibiotic Drops For Dogs

What Are The Symptoms Of A Sinus Infection

So if youve ever had a sinus infection before, you know they feel pretty miserable: The more common symptoms are nasal congestion, discolored mucous from the nose, post nasal drainage, facial pain, facial pressure, decreased smell and taste, says Dr. Duyka. Some patients also experience ear pain, upper tooth pain, sore throat, bad breath, and/or cough.

But heres some quick advice: That whole thing about the color of your snot telling you whether or not you have a bacterial or viral infection? Thats a myth, Donald Ford, MD, a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic, tells Health. The green-yellow color of mucus that can develop is a byproduct of our own white blood cells, which we use to fight any kind of infection, viral or bacterial, so we cant tell the cause from the color of the mucus, she says. When mucus is thick and dark it usually suggests some mild dehydration, and you should increase fluid intake and use lots of saline spray to keep the mucus thin.

Read Also: Can Virtual Doctors Prescribe Antibiotics

A Uti Or Something Else

There can be considerable overlap between the symptoms for UTI and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Bacterial vaginosis, vaginal thrush, vulvodynia, lichen sclerosus, endometriosis, bladder cancer and overactive bladder may also cause similar symptoms. Antibiotic use may also trigger vaginal thrush in some women and require additional treatment.

âRecent unprotected sexual intercourse, discharge from the urethra and pain within the pelvic area or sexual organs would increase the likelihood of an STI,â says Ali. âAgain, an assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional would be advised and various swabs or urine tests may be required.â

Interstitial cystitis , also known as painful bladder syndrome, may also be a cause of recurrent bladder symptoms. IC is a chronic, non-infectious condition of the urinary bladder that causes frequency and urgency of urination and significant pelvic pain that worsens as the bladder fills up. IC is a difficult diagnosis to make and requires tests and input from a urologist. If you think you may have IC, visit your GP, and contact the Interstitial Cystitis Association and Bladder Health UK for advice and support.

Recommended Reading: Emergency Antibiotics For Tooth Infection

Don’t Miss: One Time Dose Antibiotic For Uti

What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by several problems, such as an infection, nasal polyps, or a deviated nasal septum.

Most cases of chronic sinusitis develop following an acute sinusitis infection.

You may be suffering from chronic sinusitis if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Drainage of a thick yellow or greenish discharge from your nose or down the back of your throat
  • Nasal obstruction or congestion, which makes it difficult for you to breathe through your nose
  • Pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead
  • A reduced sense of smell or taste

You Should Not Save Old Antibiotics Just In Case

7-Year Old Sinus Problem Gone in 3 Months | Sinus Treatment at Home

If you have some antibiotics leftover from the last time you were sick, dont just start taking them. For one thing, as mentioned above, different antibiotics treat different types of bacterial infections. You cant just assume that your leftover medication will work. And, again, taking the wrong medicine when it wont help means you risk side effects and future drug resistance.

None of this information should scare you away from taking antibiotics as prescribed when you truly need them. But doctors should prescribe them with caution and patients should know that they are not a risk-free cure-all.

Also Check: Do Dogs Need Probiotics With Antibiotics

Don’t Miss: Natural Antibiotics For Bronchial Infection

How Can I Treat Chronic Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics

If youre suffering from chronic sinusitis , you understand all too well that its a painful condition. As it lingers for weeks on end, you grow weary of having to endure unpleasant, irritating symptoms.

You may even plead with your doctor to give you an antibiotic, expecting instant relief.

In this blog, the sinus specialists at DFW Sinus Select will address if you can treat chronic sinus infections without antibiotics.

You May Like: How To Prevent Sinus Migraines

Garlic On How To Treat Bacterial Infection

You can lay your belief in garlic because it is also another natural home remedy with antibacterial properties. Garlic is available in every kitchen and it is the excellent home remedy to treat different fungal and bacterial infections. An effective way on how to treat bacterial infection is eating 4-5 cloves of garlic per day. You can chew and swallow it. Another way is taking garlic in the form of capsules. However, this way may be less effective than chewing garlic freshly. If you cannot stay with fresh garlic cloves, you can think of its capsules but we still recommend you eating it raw. Besides, garlic tea is another solution that is also considered as the herbal remedy on how to treat bacterial infection. You should add some cloves in the boiling water and steep for a few minutes before sipping the garlic tea. It is easy to have a cup of garlic tea so that you are supposed to spend a little effort and time on it. Garlic tea will be a useful treatment.

To know other benefits of garlic, you can view at Benefits Of Garlic

Read Also: Do Doctors Prescribe Antibiotics For Pneumonia

When Does Antibiotic Resistance Occur

Antibiotic resistance occurs in a persons own body and within the community when certain drugs no longer work for a specific type of germ. This can occur when bacteria change in response to exposure to antibiotics so that the antibiotics no longer work efficiently against the bacteria.

Unfortunately, itâs hard to know if a sinus infection is bacterial, viral, or has other causes based on symptoms alone. Because viral sinus infections tend to improve in 5 to 7 days, healthcare providers will usually only prescribe antibiotics if your symptoms go on for longer than this. A sinus infection that persists for longer than a week or continues to get worse during this time period is more likely to be bacterial.

Therefore, allergists and other specialists recommend limiting the use of antibiotics unless:

  • Symptoms last over seven to 10 days
  • A fever is present

What To Do For Sinus Pressure And Pain At Home

How To Get Rid Of Headache Caused By Antibiotics

Here are the top 10 at-hometreatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.

  • Flush. Use a Neti pot, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution, to flush your nasal passages. Nasal irrigation using the Neti pot has been a tried-and-true sinus treatment method for centuries. I have patients who swear by Neti pots and use them daily or weekly to keep their sinuses flowing well. Remember to use distilled water only.
  • Spray. Use an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that contains salt water to help keep your nasal passages moist, unblock congestion and treat inflammation. Some sprays, like Afrin®, can only be used for a maximum of three days. If you exceed three days, you will get âreboundâ or worse nasal congestion. Other nasal sprays, like fluticasone, are more effective the longer you use them.
  • Hydrate. Drink a lot of fluidswater and/or juiceto help thin your mucus. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration.
  • Rest. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight infection and speed up recovery. While you sleep, prop yourself up with a couple of pillows. Staying elevated can help you breathe more comfortably.
  • Steam. Breathe in steam from a pot or bowl of warm water or take a hot shower. You also can place a warm, wet towel on your face, followed by a cool towel. to help ease sinus pain and open your nasal passages.
  • Recommended Reading: Antibiotic Gel For Gum Disease

    Treating Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics

    Tomah, WI – People often want antibiotics to tackle a sinus infection but that might not be the best treatment since most infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics fight bacteria, not viruses.

    There are also complications that can develop with dependency on these drugs. The more antibiotics are used the less effective they can become, with possible side effects like dizziness, stomach problems and rashes.

    Instead of turning to antibiotics, Alan Conway, M.D., family physician at Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare in Tomah, suggests some alternative methods of treatment. Dr. Conway says, First of all, you should give yourself enough rest. Your body needs the time to fight the infection with full force, especially in the first few days when symptoms are the most severe.

    Dr. Conway also says. Watch out for over-the-counter products that contain oxymetazoline. These products may relieve symptoms for a few days, but they can cause congestion if used longer than three days. Instead, use generic pseudoephedrine pills if you are stuffed up for more than three days.

    Sinus infections can turn into a bacterial infection, due to the prolonged blockage in the sinus cavity. It is not easy to determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial, considering that the symptoms are the same for both. Even if the infection becomes bacterial, 70% of the time the infection will go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

    # # #

    Can I Prevent Sinusitis

    There is no sure-fire way to prevent sinusitis. But there are some things that might help.

    • Donât smoke, and avoid other people’s smoke.
    • Wash your hands often, especially during cold and flu season, and try not to touch your face.
    • Stay away from things you know youâre allergic to. Talk to your doctor to see if you need prescription medicines, allergy shots, or other forms of immunotherapy.

    If your sinus problems keep coming back, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of surgery to clean and drain the sinuses.

    Recommended Reading: Antibiotics For Dog Ear Infection

    What Is Blood In Urine

    Noticing traces of blood in your urine is always alarming. It isnt automatically a sign that something terrible is wrong, but you should discuss it with your doctor. Learn more about why you might get blood in your urine and how to treat it.

    Blood mixes with urine if there is a problem with your kidneys, bladder, or another part of your urinary tract. Sometimes, there is enough blood that it discolors your urine so you can see it. Other times, the amount of blood is microscopic, and you wont know that its there without medical testing.

    Read Also: Can Antibiotics Help An Abscessed Tooth

    How To Get Rid Of Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics

    My Sinus Infection Won’t Go Away After Antibiotics | Ask Eric Bakker

    This article tells us how to get rid of sinus infection without antibiotics, with the use of a few simple home remedies. However, if one still doesnt get relief from the infection, then medical treatment is required.

    This article tells us how to get rid of sinus infection without antibiotics, with the use of a few simple home remedies. However, if one still doesnt get relief from the infection, then medical treatment is required.

    Sinus infections can cause painful headaches and other discomfort. Mostly, one gets this problem after a cold or flu. However, sometimes one might also get a sinus infection due to certain kinds of allergies. Another cause is a bacterial infection, but this is a very rare case. When a person gets infected the sinuses which are normally filled with air, get filled with mucus which doesnt get drained. This blocks the nasal passages, and leads to a stuffy nose, headache, and breathing discomfort. For treatment, doctors generally prescribe antibiotics. However, this is not recommended for long term use. If you are looking for a more natural, safer way, then here are some remedies that will help you to cure the infection naturally.

    You May Like: Walmart Brand Advil Cold And Sinus

    Also Check: Will Urgent Care Give Me Antibiotics

    Chronic Sinusitis: More Than A Stuffy Nose

    Topics in this Post

    The uncomfortable, plugged feeling of a stuffy nose is common with colds and allergies. For most people, this type of nasal congestion is just an annoyance and inconvenience. It decreases their sense of smell, changes the way that foods taste and causes facial pain, and it can be accompanied by a running or dripping nose. However, it improves after the cold or allergies are gone.

    Some people’s stuffy noses don’t resolve after other symptoms are gone. This long-lasting stuffy nose is called chronic rhinosinusitis. This happens when your sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment.

    Here are some answers to common questions about sinusitis:

    What is sinusitis?

    Sinusitis occurs when the hollow spaces inside your nose and head your sinuses are swollen and inflamed. Typically, sinuses have a thin lining that produces small amounts of mucus. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. In sinusitis, the lining gets inflamed and makes more mucus. The swelling of the lining also interferes with the way mucus normally drains, making your nose stuffy. Sinusitis can be brought on by an infection growths in the sinuses, such as nasal polyps or swelling of the lining of your sinuses due to conditions such as allergies.

    Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:
    Other less common symptoms can include:
    • Cough or frequent throat clearing
    • Voice hoarseness

    What is chronic sinusitis?

    What does sinus surgery involve?

    Drinking Liquids Help Ease Sinus Pain And Loosens Congestion

    Staying hydrated keeps your sinuses moist so you feel better, and it also decreases the thickness of sinus mucus so it flows out more easily, Del Signore says.

    Everyone is guilty of not drinking enough water, he says, recommending people get from six to eight 8-ounces glasses every day.

    Steer clear of too many caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration.

    Don’t Miss: Cost Of Strep Throat Antibiotics Without Insurance

    Can A Sinus Infection Last For Months

    Sinusitis wont go away at the drop of a hat. It tends to linger and, if left untreated, it can last for months. Again, its best to take a trip to your doctors office if your symptoms last longer than one week.

    Note that there is a chance that long-term sinus issues may be caused by allergens. If this is the case, then your sinus symptoms will likely last until you can escape the allergen or have the allergies treated.

    A Pharmacist Can Help With Utis

    Sinus Infection Light Headed Symptoms

    You can ask a pharmacist about treatments for a UTI. A pharmacist can:

    • offer advice on things that can help you get better
    • suggest the best painkiller to take
    • tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms

    Some pharmacies offer a UTI management service and can prescribe antibiotics if theyre needed.

    Recommended Reading: Antibiotics Used To Treat Staph Infection

    Popular Articles
    Related news