Will Bactrim Treat A Sinus Infection

Do I Need To See A Doctor

Yes. Painful urination can be a symptom of a more serious problem. You should tell your doctor about your symptoms and how long youve had them. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, such as diabetes mellitus or AIDS, because these could affect your bodys response to infection. Tell your doctor about any known abnormality in your urinary tract, and if you are or might be pregnant. Tell your doctor if youve had any procedures or surgeries on your urinary tract. He or she also need to know if you were recently hospitalized or stayed in a nursing home.

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Antibiotic Therapy Risks And Side Effects

Before to take any medication, you should always talk to your doctor or dentist in order to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous side effect. This is an important precaution especially in case of pregnancy dental infection, while breastfeeding or in any other condition that requires you to take different drugs at the same time.

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Are There Any Risk Factors For This Medication

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim should not be used in dogs with liver tissue damage, blood cell problems, dogs that are dehydrated or at an increased risk for urinary stones, or those allergic to sulfonamides. It should be used cautiously in Doberman Pinschers as they may be more susceptible to adverse side effects. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease old, sick, or debilitated pet or pets with a folate deficiency. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim should be used cautiously in pregnant and nursing pets, and should not be used in are near the end of their pregnancy.

Antibiotics are indicated for sinusitis that is thought to be bacterial, including sinusitis that is severe or involves the frontal, ethmoid, or sphenoid sinuses, since this type of sinusitis is more prone to complications. Penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides seem to be equally efficacious. A 5- to 10-day regimen of amoxicillin 500 mg 3 times a day is recommended as first-line therapy.

Patterns of bacterial resistance should also be taken into account in the choice of antibiotic.

References

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Are Antibiotics Right For You

While you have many options for antibiotics to treat your sinusitis, your doctor will be the final say in what is prescribed. Your doctor will take into account all your healthcare considerations and prescribe a medicine that will fight infection and can be tolerated well. In many cases, the infection may be viral or secondary to a separate disorder. In some cases it can be caused by allergies which will require different courses of treatment. If you notice symptoms of sinusitis lasting more than ten days, talk to your doctor to see if an antibiotic is needed to manage your symptoms.

If You Think You Have A Sinus Infection

If you feel you are experiencing sinus infection symptoms, make an appointment with your PartnerMD physician, and do not attempt to treat symptoms on your own. While you may initially be recommended OTC treatments, only your doctor can accurately diagnose your symptoms, and prescribe the right treatment for relief.

Have a question about your sinus infection symptoms? Contact us today to see if a relationship with a concierge doctor could be beneficial.

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Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use Bactrim if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, or if you have:

• kidney disease that is not being treated or monitored

• anemia caused by folic acid deficiency

• a history of low blood platelets after taking trimethoprim or any sulfa drug or

• if you take dofetilide.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim may cause birth defects. Do not use Bactrim if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

Bactrim should not be given to a child younger than 2 months old.

To make sure you can safely take Bactrim, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney or liver disease

Are There Any Over

You should always see your dentist if you have a tooth infection. Your teeth are very close to your brain and a tooth infection can quickly spread to nearby areas and organs.

Antibiotics arent available without a prescription, but there are a few things you can do at home for relief before your appointment, such as:

• taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
• avoiding hot or cold foods whenever possible
• trying to chew with the opposite side of your mouth
• brushing with a soft toothbrush around the affected tooth

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How Long Does It Take For Antibiotics To Work

An antibiotic is a medication used to kill or decrease the growthof bacteria. The lifesaving medications come in various forms and can be used totreat infections caused by bacteria. Antibioticscan treat the infection by attacking the wall surrounding the bacteria, interferingwith its reproduction, or by blocking the protein production of it.

Although you might not notice it right away, antibiotics beginworking as soon as you start taking them. Usually, within 2-3 days, youllstart feeling better and see an improvement in the infection. On average, afull course of antibiotics takes 7 to 14 days to complete depending on the typeused.

Most often, infections are resolved when antibiotics are usedcorrectly, but there are some instances when they wont work, like whentreating an infected tooth. Instead, youll need a root canal to prevent yourtooth from needing to be extracted.

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Can Bactrim Help Fight Tooth Infection

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Sinus Infection Treatment Timeline With Antibiotics

Our sinuses are hard to reach, so it can be two to three days before antibiotic treatment begins to take effect.

It is critical to continue the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. If you dont finish the whole course, your body could begin to build a resistance to those antibiotics. This makes future treatment more difficult.

Sometimes, patients experience negative side effects while taking antibiotics. If you experience rash, hives or have difficulty breathing while taking antibiotics, call your doctor immediately. You may be experiencing an allergic reaction. In older adults, some types of antibiotics may cause inflammation in tendons.

In addition to clearing your sinuses of infection, antibiotics also work in other parts of your body, particularly the gut. This could cause diarrhea, so you may want to take a probiotic as well.

How To Treat Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics

While sinus infections caused by viruses, allergies, or other non-bacterial factors may not require antibiotics, they still cause the same symptoms which make you feel sick.

Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• Nasal congestion
• Pain or tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
• Thick nasal or post-nasal drainage

Taking steps to alleviate your sinusitis symptoms is often the best treatment to lessen your discomfort.

Sinus infection treatment options include:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Rest, especially the first few days, to help your body fight the infection
• Moisturize the air with a cool-mist vaporizer
• Elevate your head while sleeping to decrease post-nasal drip
• Take warm showers or baths, as steam can soothe your sore throat and loosen mucus
• Gargle with warm salt water for a sore throat
• Use saline nasal spray or nasal irrigation kit to alleviate congestion
• Use over-the-counter treatments, such as nasal drops and sprays or pseudoephedrine pills, as your doctor recommends them

What Not to Do for a Sinus Infection

You should always follow your doctors instructions when you are diagnosed with a sinus infection.

Do not:

• Ask for antibiotics if your doctor feels they are unnecessary
• Take antibiotics that are prescribed for someone else
• Skip doses of your antibiotics or stop taking your antibiotics early when your doctor prescribes them
• Save antibiotics for the next time you get sick

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Is It An Emergency

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

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• Translated Resources

Is Bactrim Used To Treat Sinus Infections

Question posted by secondbase on 28 Jan 2010

Last updated on 27 January 2010 by itsmetoo2

This is what I found about Bactrim and sinus infections:

“Eliminate infection

The chief goal of treatment is wiping out bacteria from the sinus cavaties with antibiotics. This helps to prevent complications, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of chronic sinusitis.

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What Are The Sinuses How Many Do We Have

A sinus is a hollow, air-filled cavity. For the purposes of this article, a sinus will refer to those hollow cavities that are in the skull and connected to the nasal airway by a narrow hole in the bone . Normally all sinuses are open to the nasal airway through an ostium. Humans have four pairs of these cavities each referred to as the

The four pairs of sinuses are often described as a unit and termed the “paranasal sinuses.” The cells of the inner lining of each sinus are mucus-secreting cells, epithelial cells, and some cells that are part of the immune system .

Functions of the sinuses include humidifying and warming inspired air, insulation of surrounding structures , increasing voice resonance, and as buffers against facial trauma. The sinuses decrease the weight of the skull. If the inflammation hinders the clearance of mucous or blocks the natural ostium, the inflammation may progress into a bacterial infection.

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 a 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.

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What Type Of Bacteria Usually Cause Urinary Tract Infections

The most common bacterial cause of UTIs are E coli. These bacteria usually live harmlessly in the gut of healthy people but can cause problems if they get into the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract. Uncomplicated infection of the bladder, also called cystitis, is common and can be very painful.

Some strains of E. coli bacteria have begun to produce enzymes called extended-spectrum beta-lactamases . These can make the bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, and so the bacteria continue to multiply and spread. This causes more severe infection which becomes much more difficult to treat. Another type of bacteria which often causes antibiotic resistant UTIs is ESBL klebsiella pneumoniae. You can read more about extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria here.

E. coli belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family of Gram-negative bacteria. This family of bacteria also include klebsiella pneumoniae and enterobacter cloacae. The Enterobacteriaceae family can all cause UTIs and are often treated with the beta-lactam antibiotic, carbapenem, for which there are specific ESBL enzymes. The carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae that have developed, have become a real risk to health as the main antibiotic becomes useless and their presence increases in hospitals and care settings.

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Which Types Of Doctors Treat Sinusitis And Sinus Infections

• Many sinus infections can be treated by your primary care physician or an Internal Medicine doctor.
• However, it is not unusual to consult an ENT specialist, infectious disease specialist, or an allergist or immunologist.
• With some complex sinus infections, a surgeon who specializes in sinus surgery may be necessary to consult.

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A More In Depth Explanation Of Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis causes the cavities around your nasal passages to become inflamed and swollen. This interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up.

With acute sinusitis, it might be difficult to breathe through your nose. The area around your eyes and face might feel swollen, and you might have throbbing facial pain or a headache.

Acute sinusitis is mostly caused by the common cold. Unless a bacterial infection develops, most cases resolve within a week to 10 days.

In most cases, home remedies are all that’s needed to treat acute sinusitis. However, persistent sinusitis can lead to serious infections and other complications. Sinusitis that lasts more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment is called chronic sinusitis.

What Is A Sinus Infection Or Sinusitis

Inflammation of the air cavities within the passages of the nose is referred to as sinusitis. Sinusitis can be caused by infection , but also can be caused by allergy and chemical irritation of the sinuses. A sinus infection occurs when a virus, bacterium, or fungus grows within a sinus.

• Sinusitis is one of the more common conditions that can afflict people throughout their lives.
• Sinusitis commonly occurs when environmental pollens irritate the nasal passages, such as with hay fever.
• Sinusitis can also result from irritants, such as chemicals or the use and/or abuse of over-the-counter nasal sprays, and
• illegal substances that may be snorted or inhaled through the nose.

About 30 million adults have “sinusitis.” Colds differ from sinusitis and are only caused by viruses and last about seven to 10 days while sinusitis may have many different causes , and usually last longer with more pronounced and variable symptoms.

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How Antibiotics Can Help With Your Chronic Sinusitis

The sinuses are made of soft mucosal tissue and small hairlike structures that moisten and filter air as we breathe. Sometimes these tissues become inflamed by infections, like the common cold or allergies, which prevents mucus from properly draining. The mucus continues to be produced, but pools in the sinuses. This creates an environment that is perfect for bacteria or viruses to thrive.

When sinuses get infected this way, it causes an array of symptoms such as:

• Post-nasal drip

These symptoms can make it hard to accomplish even the simplest of tasks. Generally, these infections are expected to run their course over about seven to ten days. Over-the-counter medicines are commonly used to alleviate pain and congestion, but this environment can make it difficult for the body to properly remove the bacteria. This can lead to more chronic sinus issues as the infection spreads and inflames more tissue creating a vicious cycle.

What Are The Best Antibiotics For Sinus Infection Do Doctors Prescribe For You

There are many antibiotics that your doctor or physician may prescribe to help treat your sinus infection. Some of these may even be familiar to you.

These antibiotics are effective in treating sinus infection, however, these drugs do carry side effects. You should only be taken according to what your doctor or physician has prescribed. Always follow their instructions to achieve the best results.

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Tooth Infection Medical Treatment

If you have an abscessed tooth, your dentist may recommend one of the following treatments, depending on how serious the abscess is:

• If you have a simple abscess, your dentist, or a specialist called an endodontist, can do a root canal to get rid of the infection and hopefully save the tooth.
• If the abscess is large, it may need to be drained first before a root canal is done. Your dentist or endodontist will make a small cut in the gum to let the pus out and then rinse the area with saline . They also may put in a small rubber drain to keep the area open and draining while the swelling goes down.
• After the tooth is sealed back up, your dentist can then put on a cap, or crown, as a top layer to protect the tooth and make sure you donât get another abscess.
• If your tooth canât be saved, your dentist might need to pull it, then drain the abscess to get rid of the infection.

Your dentist also might give you antibiotics to make sure the infection doesnât spread to other teeth or other parts of your body. The most common ones used for an abscess include:

How much you take and for how long will depend on the type of antibiotic and your specific situation. But itâs always important to take them exactly as your doctor prescribes.