What happens if a sinus infection doesn't go away after antibiotics?

If your sinus infection does not improve within five to seven days after you finish the whole course of antibiotics, or if you experience another sinus infection within a few weeks, you may be referred to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist for treatment.


How long does it take for a sinus infection to go away after taking antibiotics?

A viral sinus infection can develop into a bacterial infection, which typically lasts longer than 10 days. Once a bacterial sinus infection is diagnosed and treated, patients usually respond to antibiotics in 2-3 days and sinus infections resolve anywhere between 7-14 days after that.

When a sinus infection won't go away?

If symptoms don't improve after 10 days or if you have a persistent fever for more than three or four days, seek medical attention. Also, if you have a history of recurrent acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis, consider seeing an ear, nose and throat specialist for evaluation and treatment.


How do you know if a sinus infection has spread to the brain?

Symptoms that sinusitis has spread to the brain
  1. Changes in vision.
  2. Sense of numbness.
  3. Difficulty speaking.
  4. Severe headache inside the skull.


Why did my sinus infection come back after antibiotics?

Chronic sinusitis

There are multiple causes of untreatable or frequently occurring sinus infections. Chronic infections are most frequently connected to some type of obstruction that prevents sinus cavities from draining properly, trapping bacteria and/or viruses inside the sinus cavities.


Sinus Infection Not Going Away?



How do you know if a sinus infection is serious?

See a doctor immediately if you have the following signs or symptoms, which could indicate a serious infection:
  1. Fever.
  2. Swelling or redness around your eyes.
  3. Severe headache.
  4. Forehead swelling.
  5. Confusion.
  6. Double vision or other vision changes.
  7. Stiff neck.


How do I get rid of a lingering sinus infection?

Treatments for chronic sinusitis include:
  1. Nasal corticosteroids. ...
  2. Saline nasal irrigation, with nasal sprays or solutions, reduces drainage and rinses away irritants and allergies.
  3. Oral or injected corticosteroids. ...
  4. Allergy medications.


When should you go to the ER for a sinus infection?

ER for severe sinusitis symptoms

While sinusitis can be managed at home, you might wonder when to see a doctor for a sinus infection. You must go to an ER doctor for immediate medical treatment if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing and unbearable pain.


Can a sinus infection turn into something else?

Most sinus infections last from a couple of days to a few weeks and are not a serious medical concern, but if left untreated, sinusitis can lead to further complications. These include nasal polyps, a deviated septum and serious allergies.

How long is too long for a sinus infection?

Some people with allergies can have “allergic fungal sinus infection.” Acute sinus infection lasts three to eight weeks. A sinus infection lasting longer than eight weeks is considered chronic.

Why is a sinus infection so hard to get rid of?

The bacteria confine themselves in stubborn “biofilms,” making it difficult for your immune system or antibiotics to find and attack them. An overlap of additional factors such as smoking, environmental pollutants, and deviated septum, further complicate the picture of chronic sinusitis.


What happens if a sinus infection goes too long?

What Happens if Sinusitis Isn't Treated? You'll have pain and discomfort until it starts to clear up. In rare cases, untreated sinusitis can lead to meningitis, a brain abscess, or an infection of the bone. Talk to your doctor about your concerns.

What is strongest antibiotic for sinus infection?

Amoxicillin remains the drug of choice for acute, uncomplicated bacterial sinusitis. Amoxicillin is most effective when given frequently enough to sustain adequate levels in the infected tissue. While often prescribed twice daily, it is even more effective if taken in 3 or 4 divided doses.

Can a sinus infection be resistant to antibiotics?

Recent reports have shown the emergence of antibiotic resistance bacteria in sinusitis and the increasing rate of multidrug resistance (MDR) enterobacteriaceae causing chronic sinusitis (3-5).


How do you know if antibiotics are working for a sinus infection?

Antibiotics work in most cases of acute sinusitis that are caused by bacteria. Most people start feeling better 3 to 4 days after they start taking the medicine.

What illness mimics a sinus infection?

Other disease processes can mimic sinusitis including the common cold, allergies, migraine headache, chronic daily headache, myofascial pain, temporomandibular joint or jaw pain, rhinitis medicamentosa, and even sleep apnea. Therefore an accurate diagnosis requires a thorough history and physical examination.

What comes out of infected sinuses?

Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip) Sore throat. Cough. Bad breath.


How do you know if a sinus infection is bacterial?

Symptoms of bacterial sinusitis
  1. Pressure or pain around the nose, in the forehead, in the cheeks or around the eyes. The pain often gets worse if the affected person bends forward.
  2. Discolored, thick nasal discharge.
  3. Decreased sense of smell and ability to taste.
  4. Stuffy nose.
  5. Bad breath.


Can a sinus infection become severe?

Serious Sinus Infections

While rare, the infection from a sinus issue can spread to the eyes or brain. If the infection reaches the eyes you can experience redness, swelling around the eyes and reduced vision. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare infection that can lead to blindness.

Can a sinus infection hospitalize you?

While a minor sinus infection does not require a trip to urgent care or indicate a reason for significant concern, a more severe sinus infection in which the symptoms become intolerable or last for an extended amount of time may need medical assistance for the underlying cause of the sinus infection to be appropriately ...


What pressure points drain sinuses?

Acupresssure Point LI4: Located on your hand between the thumb and index finger, this pressure point can help relieve sinus congestion. Acupresssure Point LI 20: Located at the base of your nose, this pressure point can help relieve sinus pressure.

What foods should be avoided with sinusitis?

Foods To Be Avoided During Sinusitis
  • Processed Sugar. Processed Sugar is packed into favorite desserts such as pastries, chocolate bars, sodas and fruit juices labeled as fructose or sucrose.
  • Fatty foods. ...
  • Monosodium Glutamate. ...
  • Omega-6 Fatty acids. ...
  • Gluten and Casein. ...
  • Refined Carbohydrates. ...
  • Wine and Alcohol. ...
  • Dairy Products.


What will a doctor do for a sinus infection?

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial sinus infection that has lasted 10 days or more without symptoms improving, or if symptoms seem to improve but then get worse within 10 days. Talk with a doctor before attempting to take antibiotics for sinusitis.


Is it possible to have a sinus infection for months?

Acute sinusitis only happens for a short time (usually a week), but chronic sinusitis can last for months. Sinusitis is considered chronic after at least 12 weeks of symptoms. Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a cold, but chronic sinusitis can have many other causes.