Suggest Treatment For Persistent Sinus Infection While On Amoxicillin

Posted on Tue, 16 Feb 2016

Question: I was given amoxicillin to treat a sinus infection and I completed the meds on Saturday. The sinus pressure is back today after taking Zzquil last night to help me sleep. It doesn't hurt like it did prior to taking the amoxicillin but I still feel the pressure. Back in November I suffered a hard hit to the face under the left eye. Since right before Christmas, I have had this pain and I don't know what to do to relieve the pressure. Can you advise.

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take nasal decongestant

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
I have gone through your query; and suggest you that you also take the

1. Local and systemic nasal decongestant.
2. Nasowash nasal wash once a day.
3. Steroid nasal spray.

I personally advised to that you go for the CT scan paranasal sinuses to rule out the sinusitis and extent of the disease for the further management.

If the condition not improved after the one month of above mentioned conservative management after consulting with your doctor then better to go for functional endoscopic sinus surgery if you have sinusitis.

Regards
Dr Hariom Sharma MS, XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (2 hours later)

Ok thank you. is it common to have the sinus infection return this quickly after completing a round of amoxicillin?
I do not want to be put on amoxicillin again because it gave me horrible diaherra and caused me to lose some weight. I am already a small woman.
I have been using Mucinex, a Neti Pot and some Flonase to continue to treat my symptoms.

this bout has lasted since the week of Christmas. so going on 3 weeks now.

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Instead of amoxicillin take azithromycin

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

Yes sinus infection can recur. And if there is a need to repeat antibiotic, I suggest you take azithromycin 500 mg once a day instead the amoxicillin for at least 15 days, if you have horrible diarrhea after taking the amoxicillin. You should also add pre and probiotic such as Vizylac with antibiotic to avoid antibiotic associated diarrhea.

Regards
Dr Hariom Sharma MS, XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (20 minutes later)

Ok. I will ask my doctor for that script. Where do I get the Vizylac? Is that something I can get OTC?

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can get Probiotics medicine OTC

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
I have gone through your follow up query; and you can get Probiotics medicine OTC. Probiotics are live microorganisms taken orally to treat disturbance in normal flora.

Regards

Dr Hariom Sharma MS, XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (21 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor. I will find some and ask for another prescription.

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are most welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
You are most welcome. I will be available if you have further query.

Regards
Dr Hariom Sharma

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. Prasad