Suggest Treatment For Cold, Headache And Facial Swelling

Posted on Mon, 15 Feb 2016

Question: I had a slight cold about a week ago, then had severe sinus pain and burning in left side of face with terrible headaches when waking up, which happened several times per night. Face is swollen. Feel awful. Taking surfaced, ibuprofen, and nasal saline rinse. Just started new job this week, had to miss two days. Can I take clyndamycin for this ?

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
seems to be acute sinusitis.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having half sided head-ache.

Based on your clinical details, it appears that, you are having acute sinusitis.

No. You can not take clindamycin (is a good medications for skin and soft tissue infections but not for sinus issues). I prefer simple amox or azothromycin as a first line antibiotic. You can get this drug prescribed by your doctor.

In the meanwhile, you can do steam inhalation twice daily, over the counter (otrivin/ xylomist) xylometazoline nasal drops 3 drops/3 times/5 days. For head-ache take simple over the counter dolo/panadol/tylenol.

In case of persistence, you need x-ray and other investigations to rule out other causes.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (7 hours later)

I am allergic to all penicillin based antibiotics. I read that Clyndamyacin is an effective second line antibiotic for sinus infection. Also, that is what I have available to me right now. What would the dosage and length of time be if I did take Clindamyacin ? Additionally, how do I tell if I have viral or bacterial based sinusitis?
Nasal sprays that I have tried cause more burning and pain.
Also, headache is entire head, not just left side, worse after lying down.
Thank you

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
clindamycin, not recommended.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

answers for your queries.

1. Clindamycin, reserved for treating dangerous drug resistant infections. In view of side effects, I do not recommend you to start clindamycin. Anyways, it's dosage is 300 mg, 2-3 times depending on the severity of infections.

2. It is difficult for you to decide bacterial or viral (your doctor will diagnose by history and examination findings).

3. Pan-sinusitis (sinuses of both sides of face) will present both sided head-ache which is more in dependent position.

4. Ideally, you require mucolytics (guaifensin or ambroxyl) to thin the secretions of sinuses. Kindly visit a local doctor for appropriate antibiotic and dosage schedule.

Hope, I have answered your query.

All the best.Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (31 minutes later)

Thank you for your response. I am able to see doctor tomorrow.
I have Clyndamycin because I had a total hip replacement and have to take 600 mg prior to dental procedures.

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
all the best.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Yes. it (clindamycin) is reserved for soft tissue infections (causative organisms are different in bone and tooth). Anyway, all the best for tomorrows consultation.

Take care.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee