Thursday, March 28, 2024

What Will A Doctor Prescribe For A Sinus Infection

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When Does A Sinus Infection Require Urgent Care

Sore Throat, Ear, Or Sinus Infection? Doctors Prescribe Wrong Antibiotics Half The Time | TODAY

While a minor sinus infection does not require a trip to urgent care or indicate a reason for significant concern, a more severe sinus infection in which the symptoms become intolerable or last for an extended amount of time may need medical assistance for the underlying cause of the sinus infection to be appropriately treated.

During a sinus infection, it is essential to keep an eye on the symptoms and come in for a visit to our urgent care facility in the event the symptoms become intolerable or no sign of improvement is noticed after more than a week. At our urgent care facility, we can efficiently and effectively diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your sinus infection.

While prevention is the best way to handle a sinus infection, it is not always possible to prevent, especially when caused by the common cold. Therefore, it is essential to know exactly what to do if a sinus infection develops.

If you or your child develop a sinus infection that becomes concerning for any reasons, do not hesitate to come in for a visit or give us a call to find out the next step to take. There is no appointment needed, and we promise you quick and effective care here at our urgent care facility.

Questions to Ask Your Urgent Care Provider

Suffering From Sinus Infections Read Our Latest Blog Post To Learn How Teladoc Can Help

Allergy, cold, and flu season tend to converge at springtime. Sometimes what starts as a simple cold or reaction to seasonal allergies can turn into a sinus infection if not treated quickly. Find out ways to tell if have a sinus infection, how Teladoc can help you treat it, and what you can do to prevent one in the future.

When youre healthy, the natural fluid in your nasal passages, or sinuses, simply drains away. But with a sinus infection, which doctors call acute sinusitis or acute rhinosinusitis, the cavities around your sinuses swell and block the passages, so the fluid becomes trapped in your sinuses. Heres the good news: You can start the healing process faster and reduce your sick time by reaching out to Teladoc for help with diagnosis and treatment as soon as symptoms appear.

Extreme fatigue is a key sign of a sinus infection. Youre also likely to experience some of these symptoms:

  • Facial pain or pressure
  • Swelling in the face, especially around the nose or eyes
  • Thick mucus that is also dark or discolored
  • Headache
  • Loss of the sense of smell or taste
  • Trouble sleeping

If your diagnosis is a cold, flu, or seasonal allergies, here are some steps you can take to keep your illness from developing into a sinus infection:

With Teladoc, recovery is closer than your corner store no matter the reason or season!

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What Is Sinus Infection

Medically known as rhinosinusitis, Sinus infection or Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. It occurs when your nasal cavities become infected, swollen, and inflamed. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often persists even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungus, may cause a sinus infection.

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How Much Prednisone To Use For Sinus Infection

Persistent inflammation in your sinuses and nose membranes can cause fleshy growths known otherwise as polyps. Its not that every chronic sinusitis leads to polyps, but when polyps form, they result in a sinus and nasal passage blockage. This does not only diminish your sense of smell, but can also make breathing difficult. Polyps also create a favorable environment for the growth of sinus infection. Inhaling steam, drinking water, sleeping with an elevated head and taking long showers, are just some ways of dealing with sinusitis. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat bacterial sinus infections . But if your symptoms have become chronic and your sinuses are inflamed, then corticosteroids may be required to treat your specific condition.

One such corticosteroid is Prednisone, which is found to be effective in treating sinus infection. Here at oneHOWTO, lets find out how much Prednisone to use for sinus infection.

  • Precautions to Take While Using Prednisone
  • What Are The Possible Treatments For A Sinus Infection

    Should You See A Doctor For A Sinus Infection

    In most cases, you probably wont need to see a doctor to treat your sinus infection. Sinus infections typically clear up on their own, although there are times when you may need a doctors help to recover.

    At-home remedies that relieve symptoms include:

    • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen
    • Rinsing your nasal cavities with a neti pot or saline nasal spray
    • Taking over-the-counter decongestants to improve the flow of mucus
    • Using a nasal spray like Flonase that will reduce nasal inflammation

    If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, then you should probably see a doctor to get prescription medications that will help you recover from your sinus infection. Your doctor may prescribe decongestants that you cant get over the counter.

    Most doctors try to avoid using antibiotics to treat sinus infections. Since the majority of sinus infections clear up without antibiotics, it makes sense for doctors to avoid the prescription. If your sinus infection lasts an unusually long time, though, your doctor may give you antibiotics. Make sure you take all of the prescribed pills to prevent your symptoms from returning.

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    Why Are Antibiotics Important

    Antibiotics are one of the most common classifications of drugs used to treat bacterial infections. Since their introduction to the world of medicine, they have helped treat countless people, especially those with infectious diseases.

    Antibiotics are very crucial during surgeries and are used to prevent patients from getting any infections from the cut. Without antibiotics, there is a higher chance of blood poisoning and the more complicated surgeries would not be possible to perform.

    Side Effects Of Using Amoxicillin For Sinusitis

    Every drug comes with its own set of side effects. And, this antibiotic also has. Some of the most common side effects of using this drug are:

    • Bloating
    • Metallic taste in the mouth
    • Tiredness

    Prolonged use of this medication could cause dark urine, abdominal pain, and skin rashes/hives. If you experience any such condition, please visit the doctor.

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    Most Sinus Infections Dont Require Antibiotics

    Ah, . The New England Journal of Medicine published a clinical practice review of acute sinus infections in adults, that is, sinus infections of up to four weeks. The need for an updated review was likely spurred by the disconcerting fact that while the vast majority of acute sinus infections will improve or even clear on their own without antibiotics within one to two weeks, most end up being treated with antibiotics.

    It is this discrepancy that has clinical researchers and public health folks jumping up and down in alarm, because more unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics mean more side effects and higher bacterial resistance rates. But on the other hand, while 85% of sinus infections improve or clear on their own, theres the 15% that do not. Potential complications are rare, but serious, and include brain infections, even abscesses.

    What Can I Expect

    Sinus Infection Antibiotics! Why won’t my doctor write a prescription?
    • Our online assessment will help determine if you are a good candidate for treatment
    • You may be prescribed an antibiotic and/or other medications
    • Sometimes, based on your symptoms, it may be recommended that antibiotics be used in a delayed fashion, if needed.
    • Just answer a few questions to get started with your online visit

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    Can You Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics

    Many sinus infections are caused by a virus like the common cold and do not require antibiotics for treatment. If you have mild symptoms, OTC medications may help relieve your symptoms until you feel better. However, consult your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days, or if at any time you have intense/severe pain or pressure, or a high fever.

    How To Treat A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics

    Before you consider antibiotics, a sinus infection can be treated without leaving at home. Some of the home remedies to treat a sinus infection without antibiotics include:

  • Keep your sinuses hydrated to help relieve pressure. One good way is to expose your sinuses to steam.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint oils may help open the airways and ease congestion.
  • Apply warm and cold compression alternately to relieve sinus pain and pressure.
  • Eat healthy foods colorful fruits and veggies that boost your immune system. These foods contain lots of vitamin C to fight off viruses.
  • Get plenty of rest for your body to heal and fight the infection.
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    What Tests Diagnose The Cause Of Sinus Infections And Sinusitis

    Sinus infection is most often diagnosed based on the history and examination of a doctor. Because plain X-ray studies of the sinuses may be misleading and procedures such as CT and MRI scans, which are much more sensitive in their ability to diagnose a sinus infection, are so expensive and not available in most doctors’ offices, most sinus infections are initially diagnosed and treated based on clinical findings on examination. These physical findings may include:

    • redness and swelling of the nasal passages,
    • purulent drainage from the nasal passages ,
    • tenderness to percussion over the cheeks or forehead region of the sinuses, and
    • swelling about the eyes and cheeks.

    Occasionally, nasal secretions are examined for secreted cells that may help differentiate between infectious and allergic sinusitis. Infectious sinusitis may show specialized cells of infection while allergic sinusitis may show specialized white blood cells of allergy . Physicians prescribe antibiotics if the bacterial infection is suspected. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections many physicians then treat the symptoms.

    In addition, both rigid and flexible endoscopy has been used to obtain diagnostic material from sinuses. These procedures are usually done by an otolaryngologist under topical and local anesthesia. Occasionally, there may be a need to sedate the patient. Some investigators suggest that endoscopy specimens are comparable to those obtained by needle puncture.

    What To Do For Chronic Sinusitis

    5 Ways to Make Your Sinus Infection Go Away

    If youre suffering from chronic sinusitis or you are getting frequent sinus infections you should see your doctor, says Dr. Sindwani.

    Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed.

    Treat early sinus infection symptoms with rest, hydration and over-the-counter sprays and decongestants. But dont look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. Then check in with your doctor for a prescription and let him or her know if your condition worsens.

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    How Long Does A Take For A Sinus Headache To Go Away

    • Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than eight weeks or occurs no more than three times per year with each episode lasting no longer than 10 days. Medications are generally effective against acute sinusitis. Successful treatment counteracts damage done to the mucous lining of the sinuses and surrounding bone of the skull.
    • Chronic or recurring sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year, with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days.

    Get A Z Pack For Sinus Infection Online

    Not sure how to tell the difference between bacterial and viral sinus infection? Need a prescription for antibiotics? EverydayDr partners with award-winning telehealth provider, PlushCare, to provide top-tier medical assistance. You can book same-day appointments to see a doctor remotely, get diagnosed, and get prescriptions filled.

    To book an appointment, go to the PlushCare booking flow here. Consult with a doctor in-person or via telemedicine today to a Z-pack for sinus infection.

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    Sinus Infection Treatment Options

    There are many treatment options for a sinus infection, but the best treatment option varies by the severity of the case. Some acute sinus infections will clear up on their own without any treatment, and you may just think it was a cold. Others require more serious interventions by a healthcare provider.

    The standard treatment healthcare providers prescribe for a presumed bacterial sinus infection is an antibiotic. However, if you have a sinus infection caused by a viral infection such as the common cold, your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics as these medications only treat bacterial infections. Instead, you can treat the sinus infection symptomatically until it resolves, with nasal decongestants and antihistamines.

    There are plenty of ways to treat symptoms of a sinus infection at home with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. OTC antihistamines block the effects of histamine, helping symptoms like sneezing and runny nose. Simple treatments like drinking water, keeping your sinuses hydrated , and using warm compresses, can also help treat symptoms of a sinus infection.

    Keeping your nasal passages clean can help you prevent future sinus infections. If you anticipate having sinus issues during allergy or cold season, flushing out your nasal passages with a saltwater solution can help you avoid the pains of a sinus infection.

    Get Your Antibiotics Fast

    Is It a Sinus Infection?

    No one likes being sick, and having a sinus infection can be very uncomfortable. Getting antibiotics as fast as possible is crucial to healing, and is made possible with PlushCare. Our online doctors can diagnose your sinus infection, write a prescription, and send it to your local pharmacy in 15 minutes. PlushCare can help you effectively, quickly, and easily treat your sinus infection.

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    Facts You Should Know About Mucormycosis

    Zygomycetes

    • Mucormycosis is a serious, potentially deadly fungal infection that’s infrequently diagnosed.
    • Many different fungi may cause mucormycosis infections with the Mucoraceae family of fungi predominate as causes hence, many investigators use the term mucormycosis instead of zygomycosis.
    • Risk factors include poorly controlled debilitating diseases , immunosuppression, and trauma , and groups of such patients injured in natural disasters.
    • Symptoms and signs first appear usually in the body area infected and may occur as follows:
    • an ulcer with a dark center and sharply defined edges, and
    • mental-status changes may occur.
  • Preliminary diagnosis is made by patient history, physical exam, and the patient’s risk factors for mucormycosis definitive diagnosis is made by identification of fungi in the patient’s tissue.
  • Almost all patients require surgical debridement of infected tissue, antifungal drugs , and good control of underlying medical problems such as diabetes.
  • Complications of mucormycosis can be dire: blindness, organ dysfunction, loss of body tissue due to infection and debridement, and death.
  • The prognosis of mucormycosis infections range from fair to poor there is about a 50% death rate that rises to about 85% for rhinocerebral and GI infections.
  • Prevention of mucormycosis centers on avoidance or control of risk factors , but not all infections are likely to be prevented there is no vaccine for mucormycosis.
  • Pain Or Pressure In Your Sinuses

    Facial pain is a common symptom of sinusitis. You have several different sinuses above and below your eyes, as well as behind your nose. Any of these air-filled cavities can hurt when you have a sinus infection.

    Inflammation and swelling can cause your sinuses to ache with dull pressure. This is because inflammation may alter the typical path of mucus from the nose to the back of the throat.

    You may feel pain in:

    • your forehead
    • on either side of your nose
    • in your upper jaws and teeth
    • between your eyes

    This may lead to a headache. Headaches caused by sinus infections can occur where the sinuses are or in other places.

    Read Also: Z Pack Vs Amoxicillin For Sinus Infection

    Sinus Infection Medication For Viral Causes

    Viral sinus infections are usually a symptom of the common cold or other viruses. When these viruses take a toll on your body, they sometimes spread to your sinuses and cause inflammation over time.

    While you may be able to fend off a full-blown sinus infection with over-the-counter solutions, once youre at a certain point of inflammation, you might require stronger meds that only a doctor can prescribe.

    Sinus Infection Medications: Medicines That Help Treat Sinusitis

    When Should I See Doctor For Possible Sinus Infection ...

    Sydney Garrow

    Sydney Garrow

    Sydney is a contributing health writer and editor who enjoys shedding light on health topics, making information available to anyone who wants it, and ending stigmas or lack of access to care and treatment.

    Certified by

    Po-Chang Hsu, M.D.

    Po-Chang Hsu, M.D.

    Dr. Hsu received his medical degree from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, and holds a Masters of Science degree from both Harvard University and Tufts University. Outside of the medical profession, Dr. Hsu loves to write, learn new languages, and travel.

    7 minutes

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    What Is The Prognosis Of Mucormycosis

    • The prognosis of mucormycosis is usually fair to poor the prognosis depends on the overall health of the patient, the speed of diagnosis and treatment, the patient’s ability to respond to treatments, the complete debridement of the infected body area, and the body area that is initially infected.
    • For example, the mortality of patients with rhinocerebral and GI mucormycosis is about 85% while the mortality rate for all patients with other types of mucormycosis is about 50%.
    • Patients who survive this dangerous infection often have disabilities related to the extent of tissue lost due to the fungal destruction and the necessary surgical debridement .

    Acute Sinusitis Home Remedies

    Most cases of acute sinusitis can be managed at home.

    Lifestyle and at-home remedies that can help to soothe your symptoms include:

    • Rest: As with many infections, getting adequate rest will help your body to fight the infection and speed up recovery. Be sure to drink ample fluids, too.
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers:Some OTC pain relievers, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may help if youre experiencing significant pain.
    • Nasal sprays and decongestants: Some nasal sprays, including nasal steroids and decongestants, can help to relieve nasal congestion. Talk to your doctor about which products may help many are available over the counter.
    • Vapor bath:Moistening your sinus cavities with a vapor bath may help to ease pain and help mucus drain your cavities. To do so, fill a bowl with hot water and place your head over the bowl while draping a cloth or towel over your head to keep the vapor directed toward your face. Taking a hot shower or bath may help, too.
    • Nasal lavage:Rinsing your nasal passages with a neti pot or designated squeeze bottle can help to clear your sinuses and relieve your symptoms. Doctors recommend only using distilled or sterile water for these procedures.

    While treating and managing your acute sinusitis at home, if you notice persistent or severe symptoms that dont resolve on their own, reach out to your provider or healthcare professional immediately.

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