Which antibiotic is best for treating sinus infections?

Which antibiotic is best for treating sinus infections?
Published : Feb 03, 2024
Last Updated : Aug 15, 2024

Are you suffering from a bacterial sinus infection, also known as bacterial sinusitis? If yes, then the doctor might prescribe you antibiotics. Depending upon your symptoms and infection severity, the doctor will recommend the type of antibiotic treatment.

You need to know that a sinus infection caused by bacteria is only treated with Antibiotic medicines. However, sinus infections with other causes, like allergies or viruses, cannot be treated with antibiotics.

What do you mean by a sinus infection?

Sinus infection or sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of your tissue that lines the sinuses. You need to know that healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when these sinuses are blocked and filled with fluid, germs grow and cause an infection.

It occurs when your nasal cavities are infected, swollen, and inflamed. Remember, a virus causes sinusitis and continues even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. However, one might also suffer from a sinus infection caused by bacteria or, rarely, fungus.

What do you understand by antibiotics?

Antibiotics are effective medications that work in your body by restricting or killing bacteria growth and replication. They are an antimicrobial that targets bacterial infections on or inside your body.

Doctors recommend antibiotics to patients who suffer from infections caused by bacteria. Some antibiotics are good at treating a wide range of bacteria, while others treat only specific bacteria.

Patients suffering from bacterial infections are only recommended antibiotics because antibiotics do not work in treating viral infections.

Do you need antibiotics to treat your sinus infections?

To treat your sinus infection, the doctor might not always suggest antibiotics. Sometimes, the sinus infection also improves without the intake of antibiotics.

Sinus infection caused by viral infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. Instead, you might experience unpleasant side effects of antibiotics. You can experience side effects like rashes and severe health conditions like antibiotic-resistant infections.

It is always better to consult the doctor and share your symptoms of sinus infection before starting antibiotic treatment. If you are diagnosed with bacterial sinusitis, the doctor will probably recommend an antibiotic. 

How can antibiotics be beneficial for you?

Antibiotics are beneficial only for patients suffering from bacterial sinusitis. The doctor will never prescribe antibiotics if you suffer from viral, fungal, or other sinus infections.

While suffering from bacterial sinusitis, treatment with the right antibiotics can provide quick relief. Along with this, antibiotic therapy also decreases the duration of symptoms and chances of experiencing severe complications. 

What common antibiotics can you take for sinus infections?

The doctor will prescribe you antibiotics only when you suffer sinus symptoms caused by bacteria. Here are some of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for sinus infections:

What symptoms do you experience when suffering from a sinus infection?

When there is a blockage of sinuses and empty air spaces in your nasal area, you start experiencing sinus infection symptoms. When your sinus becomes inflamed, you begin experiencing pain as the area is blocked with fluid. In some instances, it even permits the bacteria to grow. 

The main symptoms of sinus infection include:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Postnasal drip
  • Pain in your upper jaw and teeth
  • Tenderness of your face
  • Sinus pain around the bridge of your nose
  • Hoarseness and sore throat

Apart from these symptoms, you might also experience other symptoms of sinus infection.

What are over-the-counter treatments?

The doctor can suggest an over-the-counter treatment for your sinus infection before prescribing an antibiotic.

The most common types of over-the-counter treatments include:

Nasal decongestants and antihistamines

There are numerous combination medicines available over the counter. However, before you start using any of the store-bought medication, make sure to consult the doctor once. 

Nasal decongestant sprays

Nasal decongestant sprays help open sinuses and relieve the symptoms on a short-term basis. However, these sprays must not be used for a long time. A steroid nasal spray like Flonase or Nasacort can help you relieve nasal congestion without causing any rebound effect.  

Allergy medicines

Allergy medicines like Claritin or Zyrtec can help you when allergies are the leading cause of sinusitis. 

Nasal corticosteroid sprays

Nasal corticosteroid sprays effectively prevent inflammation and swelling in sinuses and nasal passages. These sprays also decrease existing swelling linked with sinus infections.

One of the most significant benefits of using this type of nasal spray is that it does not cause a rebound effect and is safer for long-term use than other nasal sprays.

However, before undergoing any of the over-the-counter treatments, make sure to discuss them with the doctor once.

Natural remedies

Here are some practical and best natural remedies that you can try to treat sinus infections. In case you are suffering from a sinus infection, then following the below-stated natural remedies can help you to get relief from uncomfortable symptoms:

Nasal washing

Saline nasal rinses can aid you to flush out allergens, germs, and mucous plugs from the sinuses quickly.

Resting

Resting when your body is fighting against infection is the best way to speed up recovery.

Humidifying the air

Using a humidifier or cool air vaporizer lets you keep the air moist and relieves sinus infection symptoms.

While sleeping, elevate your head.

Sleeping in this position will allow the sinuses to drain easily and decrease congestion quickly.

Use a warm compress.

Simply apply heat to your sinuses using a warm washcloth to ease your painful sinus pressure. However, the compress should not be too hot as it can harm your skin.

So, before you take any antibiotic for your sinus infection, it is vital to consult the doctor once.

Caution:

When treating a sinus infection, use antibiotics cautiously. Most cases are viral and don't require antibiotics, which can lead to resistance if misused. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for your symptoms.

Moreover, you can visit our online pharmacy from India if you wish to buy Antibiotics.

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