Antibiotics

Antibiotics are treatments to fight against bacterial infections Because so many cases of sinusitis involve some type of bacterial infection, they are often the first choice. This is particularly true in cases of acute sinusitis involving infection.

The concern is always to prevent an acute case from becoming sub acute or chronic. By eliminating the infection, the mucus membrane can shrink, allowing the sinuses to drain and allowing the nose and sinuses to heal.

How They Work

Once the antibiotics get into your blood stream, it is delivered to all parts of the body that has a good supply of blood. The mucus membrane is one area that does receive a good supply of blood. This medication can reach and kill off the offending organism.

Sometimes the mucus can become very thick inside the sinuses. If the infection is inside the thick mucus, there would not be a good supply of blood flow for the drug to reach that area. It may not be as effective and take longer for results.

Once the antibiotics reach the infected area and kills the microorganism, the swelling of the mucus membrane goes down and the sinuses begin to open up and start draining. The cilia begin to function better and continue to sweep the mucus out. The sinus cavities and nose slowly begins to get better.

Taking Antibiotics

Physicians don't make the decision to prescribe these drugs lightly. Several times I have needed them and had success using them. I had good results and I had asked the doctor to use them for a while longer. My physician said "no." Several reasons for this:

1. Bacteria develop resistance over time. As a society, the more that they are prescribed, the quicker that the bacteria develop resistance. This process is hasten when they are prescribed and are not necessary.

There are different classes to these drugs. Some treat a broad range of organisms and some treat very specific ones. The best chances for success is when a sample can be taken. It is grown in a culture and the organism can be identified. Then, it is tested to see what type of antibiotic will be effective. Even though newer ones are always being developed, they too will lose their effectiveness over time because resistance will develop.

2. Side effects. All types have the potential to cause side effects. The stomach is a likely area because it is killing off the good bacteria along with the invading organism. When the stomach bacteria gets killed off, it prevents food from digesting properly. Often, people eat yogurt while taking the medication to help replace some of this bacteria. Nausea and vomiting can also occur.

Many people have the potential to have an allergic reaction. Although it is not common, the severity of the reaction can start to close the airways which leads to a dangerous situation. These type of anaphylaxis symptoms are similar to severe allergies to bee stings. Penicillin is a common type that people are often allergic to.

Always take the full dose prescribed by your doctor and don't stop taking them because you start to feel better. And use only when needed to help in the fight against the bacteria developing resistance. For example, a cold is caused by a virus and antibiotics will not be effective even though the sinuses may be involved.

To learn more, the Medline Plus website has a lot of good information on antibiotics.

Go to the nasal allergy HOME PAGE.

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