My Sinusitis Infection Is Not Responding to Antibiotics

What To Do If Antibiotics Do Not Work for a Sinus Infection

According to CNN, many cases of sinusitis (sinus infections) don’t respond well-or at all-to traditional antibiotics. The reason your sinus infection might persist despite using antibiotics is because sinusitis is typically caused by a viral infection. Antibiotics are effective only for bacterial or fungal infections, and unfortunately, they do not work on viruses.

As a result, many sinus infections, especially those caused by viruses, do not improve with standard antibiotic treatment. Unfortunately, there is no reliable medical test currently available to easily distinguish between viral and bacterial sinusitis. This complicates treatment, as the symptoms of both viral and bacterial sinus infections are often similar, including congestion, pain, pressure, and headache. If you suffer from chronic sinus infections, and antibiotics are not effectively clearing up your sinusitis, there are other treatment options available to provide relief.

Depending on the underlying cause of your infection, treatments may include nasal drainage, decongestants, antihistamines for allergic reactions, or even steroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your condition. Remember that sinus infections can be chronic or acute, and the right treatment plan often depends on your specific symptoms and whether the infection is viral, bacterial, or allergic in nature.

Taking proactive steps to understand the underlying cause of your infection and seeking medical advice can greatly improve your recovery and comfort.

On This Page: Should I Have Surgery to Treat My Chronic Sinusitis? , Contact Boise ENT About Sinus Infection Treatment Options, Sinus Surgery Testimonial

Treating Sinusitis After Antibiotics Don’t Work

In most cases, acute sinusitis tends to resolve on its own within 14 days – whether antibiotics are taken or not. And there are many over the counter medications you can take that can help to reduce the symptoms of acute sinusitis and provide you with some relief.

Cases of sinusitis that do not resolve are likely chronic rather than acute. Time magazine also reports that chronic sinusitis has been linked to underlying structural issues of the nasal passages, including an undetected deviated septum, too-narrow sinus passages or excess sinus tissue.

The good news is, a full 76% of patients that get treated with sinus surgery for these types of structural issues state they are very pleased with the results. And a full 100% of surgical sinusitis patients state some relief from chronic sinusitis.

Should I Have Surgery to Treat My Chronic Sinusitis? 

“You need surgery.” For most of us, this is not a reassuring statement to hear.

However, when you have been struggling with chronic sinusitis symptoms that don’t seem to be responding to antibiotics or anything else you try, hearing “you need surgery” can actually be a relief!

If your sinus doctor in Twin Falls, who is a specialist in complex sinus issues related to the respiratory system, recommends surgery to reduce or eliminate chronic sinusitis, it is a recommendation worth taking seriously.

What Sinusitis Surgery Options Exist?

WebMD states that sinusitis surgery may be recommended for infected or swollen sinus tissue, to remove growths or polyps in the sinus cavities, to widen the sinus passages, to repair tissue damage or to enable sinuses to drain properly (deviated septum).

There are two main types of surgery: endoscopic and traditional. Endoscopic is generally preferable if the sinus issue permits it, and can often be done outpatient. However, traditional surgery may be required for deeper or more complex issues.

Everyday Health states that, while recovery may take a few months, fully 90% of sinusitis surgeries are a great success.

When To See an ENT About Your Chronic Sinusitis After Antibiotic Treatments Don’t Work

What does an ENT do for chronic sinusitis? If you have tried antibiotics to treat your sinusitis, and they haven’t worked, it’s time to contact an ENT. If your sinus infection has lingered even after antibiotics, we can help. We serve the Southwest Boise area and accept patients from all states. If you are ready to treat your chronic sinusitis successfully, contact us at (208)-229-2368.

Sinus Surgery Patient Testimonial