However, severe, progressive or persistent symptoms might require antibiotics. There's no treatment for viral sinus infections, but you can manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Allegra ( fexofenadine) Benadryl ( diphenhydramine) Claritin ( loratadine) Zyrtec ( cetirizine) Antihistamines might be helpful during a sinus infection if allergies are also playing a role. Acute bronchitis is a lower respiratory tract infection. A sinus infection may be caused by anything that stops the sinuses from draining, such as: Viruses cause 9 out of 10 sinus infections in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For serious staph infections, vancomycin may be required. Accessed April 30, 2019. Sinusitis accounts for 16 million office visits and $5.8 billion in annual health care. Get plenty of rest if you have a cold to reduce your risk for complications, like sinusitis. 2016;316(20):21152125. Consult your doctor if you or your child has: If you have a sinus infection for eight weeks or more, or have more than four sinus infections per year, you may have chronic sinusitis. Treatment of mild to moderate sinusitis. This has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant infections. Mucinex (guaifenesin) Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000247.pub3. All rights reserved. These pockets run from the nose into the throat. Ten home remedies to relieve sinus pain and pressure. These can be purchased from your local drugstore and used several times a day to help break up congestion. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. MedlinePlus Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1003057, Baiu I, Melendez E. Epiglottitis. If your doctor suspects a bacterial infection, you will be prescribed antibiotics. OTC decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), may relieve sinusitis symptoms by narrowing the blood vessels. Feb. 27, 2018. 8th ed. Have you been around anyone with a staph infection? Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including: Your doctor will determine if you have a sinus infection by asking about symptoms and examining you. Below are some ways to help relieve sinus pain and pressure: Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Sullivan JE, et al. That can be through sexual activity, or because of poor handwashing or contaminated food . When you get a cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, should you visit your healthcare provider and get antibiotics? Viruses cause most sinus infections, but bacteria can cause some sinus infections. Carefully pour the saline solution down that nostril. Accessed Feb. 22, 2018. mucus dripping down the throat from the nose, tenderness under the eyes or on the bridge of the nose, mild to severe pain in the forehead or temples, bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth. Symptoms normally go away on their own within 10 days. Here are general directions: Be careful to sanitize your neti pot after every use. Nonspecific upper respiratory tract infection fact sheet, Bosch AATM, Biesbroek G, Trzcinski K, Sanders EAM, Bogaert D. Viral and bacterial interactions in the upper respiratory tract. Covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Amoxicillin is typically prescribed for 7-10 days at a . Review/update the Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. Antibiotics are not needed for acute viral sinusitis. Most cases of sinusitis clear up within 10 days. Some of the home remedies to treat a sinus infection without antibiotics include: Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics if you are not relieved from initial treatments and have more concerning symptoms like worsening headache, fatigue, and sinus pain. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Best Antibiotic treatment for sinus infection. Shes previously worked and written for WIRED Science, The Scientist, Discover Magazine, LiveScience, and Business Insider. Other prescription medicines for sinus infection include Cefaclor, Sulfamethoxazole, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, and Loracarbef. Renaud DL (expert opinion). Your doctor can usually make the diagnosis based on the physical exam. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems. Sinusitis. Your doctor is unlikely to prescribe antibiotics unless you have chronic sinusitis or if your sinus infection is bacterial. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Azithromycin contains ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. azithromycin. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on To diagnose a staph infection, your health care provider typically will: Treatment of a staph infection may include: Antibiotics. Just like Cefaclor, this drug is usually recommended to stop the growth of bacteria. IDSA clinical practice guideline for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in children and adults, Antibiotics for acute maxillary sinusitis, American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation, Learn more about the AAFP support of the Choosing Wisely campaign. When antibiotics arent needed, they wont help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Common symptoms of a sinus infection include: Before prescribing an antibiotic, your healthcare provider may suggest an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for a sinus infection. Antibiotics for Upper Respiratory Infections. Cough and cold medicines can result in serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects in young children. Antibiotics are one of the most common classifications of drugs used to treat bacterial infections. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Tosh P (expert opinion). Your symptoms dont clear up on their own within about 10 days. If a secondary bacterial infection should develop, one treatment of choice is amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin). Be sure to look for their generic counterparts loratadine, cetirizine, and levocetirizine for effective, cheaper options. Use over-the-counter (OTC) medications, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Get plenty of rest for your body to heal and fight the infection. During the day and before bed, use natural saline nasal sprays. You can also fill a bowl with boiling water and lean over it for 10 minutes. I have other health conditions. What websites do you recommend? If your symptoms last more than 10 days, talk to your doctor. Only used distilled water. There's a chance antihistamines could make congestion worse by causing mucus to dry and thicken in the sinuses. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. This is because so many strains of staph bacteria have become resistant to other traditional antibiotics. It's been suggested that products containing certain combinations of herbs may be of some help. Sinus infections can sometimes involve bacteria but often are caused by . Call your doctor if your symptoms dont clear up within 10 days or your breathing is labored. Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment. Fowler VG, et al. The antibiotic-resistant variant accounted for 5% of all Shigella infections last year. It also discusses over-the-counter treatments and home remedies. Never give aspirin to children because it can cause Reyes syndrome. Accessed Feb. 17, 2022. Annually, it accounts for 15% to 20% of adult antibiotic prescriptions and costs more than $20 million in patient visits. Learn more about the AAFP support of the Choosing Wisely campaign. There is a problem with They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. privacy practices. Antibiotic treatment should always be guided by your physician. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention But when a sinus infection is caused by allergies, a virus, or a structural defect of the sinuses, other treatments may be necessary. sinusitis, can be either a viral or bacterial infection. The overuse of antibiotics is when they are prescribed for reasons other than when they are needed. Last updated on March 31, 2022. Saline irrigation spells relief for sinusitis sufferers, Ten home remedies to relieve sinus pain and pressure, A fever (which may indicate a bacterial infection) is present, Clear and definite signs of a bacterial infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Acute sinusitis: Do over-the-counter treatments help? Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take? What are the antibiotics used for a sinus infection? Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain, decongestants to remove congestion in the sinuses, and moist heat to relieve pressure can usually help clear up the infection. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. According to recent research, using a neti pot with a saline solution can get rid of some symptoms of chronic sinusitis. The most common is Amoxicillin which is effective against most strains of bacteria. It may improve the flow of drainage from the sinuses. Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections, but your doctor can decide if you need an antibiotic. Is my condition likely temporary or chronic? Were here to help you understand the differences between each one! In a dataset from 2013 and 2014, adverse drug reactions caused 4 out of every 1,000 emergency room visits each year. What are other possible causes for my symptoms? Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection. Expose your sinuses to steam. When antibiotics arent needed, they wont help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. 2017;6(6):CD000245. Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better. Usually, treatment with antibacterials doesnt shorten the course of bronchitis, so theyre not usually advised to be prescribed. Washing your hands with soap and water. If you go to the healthcare provider with a cold, theyll generally treat your symptoms, including suggesting you: There are only a few situations in which your healthcare provider might prescribe antibiotics when youre dealing with a cold or flu. While you may first see your family health care provider, you may be referred to a specialist, depending on which of your organ systems is affected by the infection. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Even if your acute sinusitis is bacterial, it may clear up without treatment. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/euroelder. This can occur when bacteria change in response to exposure to antibiotics so that the antibiotics no longer work efficiently against the bacteria. Antibiotics prescribed for sinusitis include Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) and cephalosporin. Take a probiotic and eat fermented foods like yogurt and kefir. JAMA. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Treatment typically includes antibiotics and nasal sprays, and in some cases, additional medications like decongestants, antihistamines, and/or steroids may be necessary. Whether your sinus infection turns out to be viral or bacterial, you can help to ease your symptoms early on with supportive sinus care: Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril . Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that that may be used to treat different types of bacterial infections. Nasal irrigation is a process often used to ease the symptoms of sinusitis. Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Mayo Clinic; 2020. Sinusitis is often caused by bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and sometimes Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. 2. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses due to a viral or bacterial infection. However, in some cases, you may need antibiotics. Receive recommended vaccines, such as the. Sinus infections happen when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses). Antibiotic resistance means that certain drugs no longer work for a specific type of germ. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. You may generally feel unwell and potentially have a low-grade fever. . Most cases of sinusitis clear up within 10 days. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Can you drink alcohol while taking Augmentin? Note that decongestants can help relieve nasal and sinus congestion but they are contraindicated (shouldn't be taken) if you have certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma or hypertension/high blood pressure. If youre not finding relief from home remedies, ask your pharmacist to recommend an OTC treatment. For acute sinusitis, questions to ask your doctor include: Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Sinus infection (sinusitis). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. When using saline nasal rinses, tap water should always be boiled and then allowed to cool to ensure cleanliness; distilled water or premixed solutions could also be used instead of regular tap water. Generally speaking, there are some healthy hygiene habits that can help protect you from infections and stop antibiotic-resistant germs from spreading, including: 9. A CT scan shows details of your sinuses and nasal area. Several home remedies can help you get rid of a sinus infection unless the cause is bacterial. WebMD. He prescribed me an antibiotic for 5 days. Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. Home remedies can often treat sinus drainage. Sinusitis symptoms typically last no longer than 10 days. Merck Manual Professional Version. Inhaling steam, drinking apple cider vinegar diluted in water, using cold and hot compresses, etc., help lower the symptoms. But antibiotics may not always be the best remedy for sinusitis, according to recent research and physician experts. Jameson JL, et al., eds. Consult your doctor for more details. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children. Antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat staph infections include cefazolin, nafcillin, oxacillin, vancomycin, daptomycin and linezolid. Antibiotics are defined as any substance that inhibits the growth and replication of a bacterium or kills it outright, according to anarticle publishedby the Microbiology Society. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could 2019;321(19):1946. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.3468, Kenealy T, Arroll B. Reye's syndrome. When your dentist prescribes one of these antibiotics, the choice will depend on whether you are allergic to . Egan M, Hickner J. Saline irrigation spells relief for sinusitis sufferers. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection can last up to two weeks but usually peak at around three days and are gone within seven. Historically, sinus infections, also called sinusitis, were often treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat staph infections include cefazolin, nafcillin, oxacillin, vancomycin, daptomycin and linezolid. Check with your doctor before taking herbal or dietary supplements to be sure they're safe and that they won't interact with any medications you're taking. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Dont stop taking them early, even if your symptoms improve. World Journal of Gastroenterology. When and Why You Might Need an Antibiotic for a Cold. Antibiotics are further divided into bactericidal antibiotics (which kill bacteria . When Do We Need Antibiotics for Sinus Infection? Healthysinuses are filled with air. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These work by narrowing blood vessels to help reduce inflammation and swelling that cause sinus congestion. Amoxicillin is most effective when given frequently enough to sustain adequate levels in the infected tissue. How can I best manage these conditions together? Besides medication, there are several natural decongestants that can unclog stuffy nasal passages and help you breathe easier. A Cochrane review compiled data from 59 studies that involved the use of a variety of antibiotics to manage simple maxillary sinus infection in primary care settings. Self-care techniques are usually all you need to ease symptoms. If you have symptoms of a sinus infection, you may need to see your healthcare provider. Always follow their instructions to achieve the best results. This drug should only be taken according to your health care providers instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your childs age and size. It is a type of antimicrobial designed to target bacterial infections on or within the body. Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections, but your doctor can decide if you need an antibiotic. In addition, antibiotics have not been found to relieve symptoms or shorten the duration of a cold. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research. Learn about treatments to help release the pressure and clear up a toothache. Its important to note that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections. Sinus infections that have other causes, such as allergies or viruses, won't benefit from antibiotics. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Others stick with over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain and fever symptoms. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Youll also likely feel stuffed up and have colored snot full of pus. Eat foods with antibacterial properties, 7. Can Essential Oils Treat Sinus Congestion? include protected health information. Do you smoke or are you around smoke or other pollutants? Most sinusitis in the ambulatory setting is due to a viral infection that will resolve on its own. Sinus pain around the bridge of the nose or under the eyes, Headaches around the forehead or temples that, Coughing (at night after lying down or in the morning). To help flush the virus out of your system, make sure youre adequately hydrated. Generally speaking, sinus infections will not go away on their own, and treatment is necessary in order to clear the infection. Why are doctors less likely to prescribe antibiotics these days? Make an appointment with a doctor if you have severe symptoms, or if the following symptoms last longer than 10 days or keep coming back: fever. Sinusitis is one of the most common diagnoses in primary care. There is a problem with The infection irritates the bronchial tubes and causes swelling and excessive mucus that causes a cough that can last for a few weeks. This drug is also used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections whichinclude respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. Antibiotic resistance develops In an individual's body, and then the contagious infection that is spread to other people In the community is also resistant. Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. But on the other hand, while 85% of sinus infections improve or clear on their own, there's the 15% that do not. Answer From James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D. Cephalexin can be prescribed from 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 to 12 hours for 5 to 7 days. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Use a clean humidifier to moisten the air at home. Your doctor may ask about your symptoms. Acute sinusitis: Do over-the-counter treatments help? Li JTC. Several factors can increase your risk of getting a sinus infection: Common symptoms of sinus infections include: When you have a sinus infection, one or more of your sinuses becomes inflamed.