Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

There are a few possibilities of what might be going on:

A viral cold can sometimes become colonized with bacteria and turn into a bacterial sinus infection or bacterial bronchitis. We are cautioned about giving an antibiotic too soon because of development of bacterial resistance, but at 3 weeks, we do give an antibiotic if there are bacterial type symptoms (fever, fatigue, aches, pus draining from the sinuses out the nose or down the throat, or being coughed up). People who smoke cigarettes, have diabetes, or other causes for impaired immunity sometimes have longer time to recover as well as more risk of developing these secondary bacterial infections. If this is what is going on with you, and it seems to be getting worse rather than gradually resolving, you may need an antibiotic that has less resistance to it such as Augmentin or something in the erythromycin family.

If you don't have pus type drainage and a low grade fever or aches and it is mostly post nasal drainage and stuffy or runny nose and cough (from the post nasal drainage), and the secretions are clear most of the day (except when you get up after lying down for awhile), then it's possible this is an allergy. For that you can try an antihistamine such as Zyrtec 10 - 20 mg/day and continue the steroid nasal spray (Flonase). If there is a lot of congestion, consider a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

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Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hi -

The dexamethasone (steroid) was for inflammation in an attempt to decrease swelling in your sinuses or bronchi (and ears if needed).

Amoxicillin is a component of Augmenting, which also has clavulanate (clavulanic acid) which makes the antibiotic have more coverage with some resistant strains.

I am wondering, given that you note itchy eyes, whether it might be partly due to allergy? I don't know what you have in your state - tree pollen and mold perhaps?

If there has been no improvement with the Augmentin and steroid (injected and nasal spray), and if there is discolored drainage all day (not just when you get up), then another round of antibiotic (possibly azithromycin aka Z-pack) might help clear it up.

If, however, the drainage is mostly clear, and no fever, then consider the antihistamine (Zyrtec 10 mg twice a day - start with once a day to see how you tolerate it) and oral decongestant pseudoephedrine.

You mention that you saw your PCP - hopefully he is a physician and not a PA or NP. If he is not a physician, then yes, see an ENT if my recommendations don't work. Otherwise, if the antihistamine and decongestant don't do the trick and your secretions are discolored all the time, then see your doctor again for another antibiotic.

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Brief Answer:
Your welcome

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome!

I hope you are feeling better soon.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

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