Sinusitis and Antibiotics Do Not Go Hand in Hand All the Time

By: Rachelle Lim
Submitted: 2008-07-05 22:38:49
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher |

Rating:

 

Even as doctors continue to prescribe antibiotics for sinusitis, do not assume that sinusitis and antibiotics should automatically be matched together. There are a lot of cases nowadays where antibiotics are given to eliminate just about any kind of infection. In truth, too many of these cases do not need antibiotics at all.

In determining whether your sinusitis can use a dose of antibiotics, first and foremost, you should have a good understanding of your sinusitis condition. Getting to know the root of your problem is a good start in reaching a solution for it. So focus on your present condition before moving on to any treatment option.

Sinusitis and antibiotics are good together only if sinusitis is caused by bacteria, and:
-    sinusitis symptoms are severe
-    sinusitis symptoms last for more than a few weeks
-    sinusitis symptoms keep coming back
-    antibiotics are chosen wisely
-    the bacteria causing sinusitis is not resistant to antibiotics

Sinusitis and antibiotics do not go hand in hand if:
-    sinusitis is caused by viruses and infections other than bacteria
-    bacterial sinusitis produce only minor symptoms
-    the patient is allergic to antibiotics
-    the patient has other conditions aside from sinusitis that may be negatively affected by antibiotics
-    the bacteria causing sinusitis is resistant to antibiotics

Aside from those mentioned sinusitis factors above, take a look at the following considerations:
-    There are a lot of doctors who give out antibiotics even if patients do not necessarily need them. These are doctors who would like to offer precautionary or preventive measures for their patients. But these doctors seem to have become too comfortable in handing out antibiotic medications, to the point where antibiotic-resistant bacteria are given the chance to develop at an increasing rate. It is actually better to hold off on taking antibiotics for sinusitis until you are absolutely sure that you need this type of medication.

-    There are patients who expect to be prescribed with antibiotics. The medicine’s great healing effects have caused antibiotics to become a popular choice for getting rid of infection. But as outlined above, there are various factors to consider before choosing a treatment program, particularly one that includes a medication like antibiotics. Misuse of antibiotics will only result to the medicine’s ineffectiveness and may also worsen your sinusitis.

-    There are different types of antibiotics available. You need to be aware of them so that you can choose which medication will work best for the type of infection you have, and for your personal lifestyle.

o    Narrow-spectrum antibiotics target a specific bacterial infection. These are recommended for those sufferers who took the time with their doctors to find out about their particular infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotics in turn are used by patients who would like to target a variety of bacteria with just one type of medication.

o    Intravenous antibiotics are taken by patients who need the most immediate help with their sinusitis. The medication is administered directly into the veins to work on the infection instantly. Alternately, oral antibiotics are the most commonly used. Nasal sprays and nebulizers provide other options for applying antibiotics for sinusitis. These allow for antibiotics to be taken to the source of your sinusitis by inhaling the medicine through the mouth or nose.

Again, sinusitis and antibiotics do not necessarily go hand in hand. Use the provided guidelines and information above in learning when and when not to use antibiotics for your sinusitis.

Article source: Expert Articles