If you’ve ever had a stuffy nose that just won’t go away, you know how miserable a sinus infection can make you feel. Your head hurts, your face feels full and breathing through your nose seems impossible. Do you need antibiotics for sinus infections, or can you treat them with over-the-counter medicines?
It depends on what’s causing your sinus congestion in the first place. Make an appointment with your primary care physician to determine the proper treatment.
What is a sinus infection?
Your sinuses are the spaces within your forehead, nose and cheeks filled with air. A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, occurs when the tissue within these spaces becomes inflamed. Some symptoms of sinus infections include:
- Facial pressure and pain
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Ear and teeth pain or pressure
- Headache
- Fever
While a sinus infection itself isn’t contagious, what causes it usually is. Practice good handwashing skills and avoid others to prevent spreading it.
What causes sinus infections?
Sinus infections happen when the sinuses become swollen and filled with mucus. Often, the common cold causes the inflammation that leads to a sinus infection. However, allergies or bacteria can trigger one as well. Also, having structural issues such as a deviated septum can cause chronic sinus infections.
The two main types of sinus infections are viral sinusitis and bacterial sinusitis.
- Viral sinusitis: Viruses cause most sinus infections, just like the common cold. These infections usually improve on their own within 10 days. Antibiotics won’t help because they only work against bacterial infections, not viral infections.
- Bacterial sinusitis: In some cases, a bacterial infection can develop after a viral infection. If symptoms last more than 10 days, get worse after initially improving or include a high fever, you may have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics.
When do you need antibiotics for sinus infections?
Antibiotics are only necessary if a bacterial infection is present. Doctors often prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanate (augmentin) as the first choice for treating bacterial sinus infections. However, not all cases require antibiotics, so it’s important to know when to seek medical advice.
You might need antibiotics if you have:
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement
- Severe facial pain or pressure
- High fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Symptoms that improve, then suddenly get worse
If your symptoms are mild, trying over-the-counter medicines and home remedies may be enough to help you feel better without antibiotics.
How to treat a sinus infection at home
Antibiotics won’t help if a virus causes your sinus infection. However, there are many ways to relieve your symptoms:
- Saline nasal spray: Helps flush out mucus and keep nasal passages moist.
- Decongestants: Over-the-counter medicines like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can reduce swelling and help you breathe easier.
- Pain relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with facial pain and headaches.
- Rest and hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough sleep can help your body fight off the infection.
These remedies can help ease the discomfort of acute sinusitis and allow your body to recover naturally.
How to avoid sinus infections
Preventing sinus infections starts with keeping your sinuses healthy and avoiding common triggers. Here are some ways to reduce your risk:
- Wash your hands regularly: This helps prevent viral infections that can lead to sinusitis.
- Use a humidifier: Keeping indoor air moist can prevent dry nasal passages that make infections more likely.
- Avoid allergens and irritants: Smoke, pollution and strong fragrances can inflame your sinuses.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps mucus thin and easier to clear from your sinuses.
- Use saline nasal spray: Regular use can help nasal passages stay clear and reduce the risk of infection.
Risks of taking antibiotics when they’re unnecessary
Taking antibiotics for sinus infections when they aren’t needed can cause more harm than good. Some risks include:
- Side effects: Antibiotics can cause stomach upset, diarrhea and even allergic reactions.
- Antibiotic resistance: Overusing antibiotics can make bacteria stronger and harder to kill in the future.
- Unnecessary medical costs: If your sinus infection is viral, antibiotics won’t help. However, they will still cost money and may lead to unnecessary doctor visits.
How we can help
If you’re unsure whether you need antibiotics for a sinus infection, it’s best to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Your doctor may perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. They may also refer you to an otolaryngologist, or ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, especially if you have frequent or severe sinus infections. They may order a CT scan.
Whether you need relief from a viral infection, guidance on using over-the-counter medicines or a professional diagnosis for a bacterial infection, your doctor can determine the best treatment for your condition.
Learn about the primary care services as well as ear, nose and throat services we offer at Mercy Health.
