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.
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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:
Your doctor may recommend antibiotics if:
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What are the risks and side effects? |
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These 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
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.
I've tried home treatment, but it has not helped.
I want to try home treatment and other medicines first.
The side effects of antibiotics don't bother me.
I'm worried about the side effects of antibiotics.
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.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
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
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Author | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine |
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.1 Home treatment for sinusitis can help relieve your symptoms. Here are some things you can do:
Your doctor may recommend antibiotics if:
Take antibiotics to treat sinusitis | Don't take antibiotics | |
---|---|---|
What is usually involved? |
|
|
What are the benefits? |
|
|
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
These 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
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.
I've tried home treatment, but it has not helped.
I want to try home treatment and other medicines first.
The side effects of antibiotics don't bother me.
I'm worried about the side effects of antibiotics.
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.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
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
1. Is sinusitis most often caused by a virus?
2. Is it okay to take antibiotics anytime you think they might help, even if you may not really need them?
3. Can antibiotics treat sinusitis that is caused by bacteria?
1. 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?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
By | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine |
Current as of: September 8, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
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