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Sinusitis: Antibiotics
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While the microbiology of acute sinusitis has been well established, various researchers disagree on the microbial etiology of chronic sinusitis. Some studies have documented anaerobes as the prominent pathogens in chronic sinusitis, while others have failed to demonstrate this. The reasons for the variable growth of microbes in the samples obtained from chronic sinusitis may be due to prior exposure of patients with chronic sinusitis to various broad-spectrum antibiotics as well to a difference in sample collection techniques. The exact role of these microbes in the pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis is another unresolved issue.
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Antibiotics are used to treat acute sinusitis. These may include sulfa drugs,amoxicillin, and a variety of cephalosporins. These medications are usuallygiven for about two weeks, but may be given for even longer periods of time.Decongestants, or the short-term use of decongestant nose sprays, can be useful. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can decrease the pain and headache, and a humidifier can prevent keep mucus moist, soothing any sore throat or cough.
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Acute sinusitis often goes away in a few weeks, either on its own or after treatment with antibiotics, decongestants, or washing out the nose with salt water. If sinusitis lasts less than four weeks, it is considered acute sinusitis. However, for many people, sinusitis is a chronic problem. For these people, longer-term medicines or even surgery may be necessary.
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Chronic sinusitis is often the result of damage to the mucous membrane from a past, untreated acute sinus infection. The aerobic and anaerobic bacteria present in chronic sinusitis are often different from those that cause the acute form. The role of antibiotic treatment for chronic sinusitis is controversial. Special types of antibiotics may be used, and treatment may be needed for a longer time.
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Acute sinusitis: doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic for a few weeks to clear the sinus infection, along with nasal sprays to help your child get rid of mucus from the sinuses. Your child should improve within a few days, but be sure to take all the antibiotics your doctor gives you, otherwise the infection may return and eventually become harder to treat. If your doctor suspects an allergy may be triggering or worsening your child's sinusitis, you may be referred to an allergist to see if allergy treatment can help resolve the situation.
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In 2003, research suggested that delivering medications directly to the sinus passages (instead of the bloodstream, like a pill might) significantly increases the amount of time chronic sinusitis patients remain infection free. The treatment, called nebulized antibiotic therapy, requires that patients inhale antibiotics in mist form to topically treat their sinusitis. The study showed that nebulization therapy increased the infection free period for some patients by almost 300% when compared to other treatments.
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