What Do You Do When Your Antibiotics Aren’t Working for Sinusitis?

Have you frequently taken antibiotics for sinusitis but they do not seem effective anymore? Whether you’ve been a long-term sufferer of sinusitis or get sinus infections frequently, you know how much of a hassle it is to everyday life.

So what do you do when your antibiotic meds stop working? Keep reading this article to learn more about some alternatives to treating sinusitis.

What Causes Sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by allergies, bacterial or viral infections, common colds, the flu, and nasal polyps.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Sinusitis?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you might have sinusitis.

●    Cold symptoms that persist for longer than ten days

●    Discomfort in your face or upper teeth

●    Fever

●    Green or yellow nasal discharge

●    Headaches

●    Nasal congestion

●    Pain in your forehead, cheeks, or eyes

●    Postnasal drip

Apart from Antibiotics, How Can You Treat Your Sinusitis?

When antibiotics stop easing your symptoms, talk to your doctor to try and figure out the root cause of your sinusitis. Determining the reason for recurring sinusitis can help doctors figure out which treatment you would benefit from.

1.  Nasal Corticosteroids

Nasal sprays such as budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone, and triamcinolone can help minimize inflammation in your nose. Talk to your doctor and do your own research to determine which nasal spray would work best for you.

2.  Immunotherapy

If your sinusitis is triggered by allergic reactions, doctors may recommend getting allergy shots to control your body’s reaction to certain allergens.

3.  Nasal Irrigation

Rinsing your sinuses with saline nasal sprays can help wash away irritants in your sinuses and reduce drainage.

4.  Balloon Sinuplasty

 You may be a candidate for balloon dilation of the sinuses. This procedure is often performed in the office with the goal of widening the openings of certain sinus cavities to reduce blockage and improve sinusitis symptoms.

5.  Sinus Surgery

If you don’t respond to non-invasive treatments, then sinus surgery might help . Surgeons use an endoscope to explore your sinuses and try to gain a better understanding of your condition before the treatment.

Depending on the cause of your sinusitis, they use different equipment to surgically remove any tissue or growth that causes nasal blockage.

If your symptoms last for more than a week, visit your doctor and get your sinuses checked out for antibiotics. If your symptoms are persistent or become a recurring problem, discuss potential treatment options with a trusted medical professional, like one of the otolaryngologists at Kentuckiana ENT, a Division of ENT Care Centers, PLLC. Take their professional advice into consideration before making an informed choice to ensure your long-term health.

At ENT, a Division of ENT Care Centers, we provide comprehensive ear, nose, and throat medical and surgical services. Our physicians are experts in the field of otolaryngology and offer a wide range of adult and pediatric services. We provide compassionate and comprehensive ENT care to patients in Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. Request an appointment today! If you have any questions, you can call us at 502-894-8441 or contact us online.