If you suffer from fall allergies, then you probably know the feeling: the pressure headaches, the post-nasal drip, the sore throat. All the signs that an allergy flare-up has advanced into a sinus infection. When your body’s fighting off illness, relief can’t come quickly enough – but doctors are rethinking treatment methods for these kinds of ailments. And that means calling common antibiotics for sinus infections, such as amoxicillin, into question.
According to studies published earlier this year, up to 98 percent of sinus infections could be caused by viruses, not bacteria. Because antibiotics don’t stop viruses, taking too many of them can cause unnecessary tolerance, and it can encourage the development of “superbugs” that are immune to the drugs’ effects, reports the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Bacteria-caused sinus infections tend to have some of these symptoms, according to the society:
- Illness for 10 days with no improvement
- Nasal discharge and facial pain that lasts three or four days
- Fever of 102 degrees or more
Viral infections often tend to improve before getting worse. If a fever sets in, then it’s probable that a bacterial infection has taken over.
The ISDA recommends shorter treatment periods on antibiotics for adults but suggests that children should complete a full, longer course for extended protection. In addition, the group discourages excessive use of amoxicillin, azithromycin,clarithromycin and other common antibiotics.
When you’re dealing with a sinus infection that won’t quit, then call us for help. We’ll be happy to help you find relief – and to do so in just the manner that’s right for you and your health.
Sources:
http://blogs.wsj.com/health/
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/