Suggest Treatment For Sinusitis And Headache

Posted on Mon, 19 May 2014

Question: My granddaughter is away at college and has a sinus infection. She has been sick for the last 4 days with chills and sweats--no temperature--and a terrible headache that she can't stand. The clinic on campus gave her amoxicillin with calvul today along with some tylenol (1000m). She was able to sleep for a few hours this afternoon, but now is in terrible pain with her headache. Should she go to the hospital ER or see how she responds after she gets her second dose of the antibiotic in her? She is in Colorado and we are in Missouri and worried sick. Can you help?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (1 hour later)

Brief answer...given below
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I can understand your anxiety on this issue but let me assure you that everything should be all right soon.
A right antibiotic has been started for the sinus infection but it shall take sometime before giving complete relief.
Normally antibiotics take 48-72 hours to produce their maximum effect.
I think you can wait for couple of days more.
Carry on with the prescribed medicines and ask her to take stem inhalation twice a day.
It would be better if she uses some nasal decongestant drop before taling steam inhalation as it shall result in proper steaming.
Ask her to avoid cold drinks and take more of hot liquids like tea,coffee,soups etc.
Hopefully she should recover substantially in next 48 hours.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (11 hours later)

Is the severity of the headache directly connected to the sinus infection, or could there be something else going on to cause this sever of a headache for 4 days. She has never had migraines and I don't think she is light sensitive. But she does get dizzy from her head. Suggestions??

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (59 minutes later)

Hello,
Sinus infection can definitely result in severe headache.But since she has started her medications only recently,it may take couple of days for proper action as written earlier,however there is no harm in going to ER and getting her re examined to look for any other cause of such a severe headache.In case nothing else is found,it shall be good as it would bring peace to the mind.
Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar