Antibiotics for Sinus Pain

Sinus pain can be the first sign that an infection has begun. The sinuses are a very sensitive cavity behind the nose and eyes that helps prevent foreign airborne objects from entering the lungs. The sinuses can become irritated and inflamed from the common cold, allergies or a weakened immune system. Once the sinuses are agitated, they produce excess mucus, causing severe congestion. If the congestion persists for a number of days, an infection may settle in. Once the sinuses become infected, antibiotics are needed to kill off the infection.

Facts

• Sinus pain is the result of swollen sinus membranes that are pressing on various organs in the head. Many people experience pain in the eyes, teeth, neck or ear. Pain relievers may help reduce the pain, but unless the infection is dealt with, the pain will persist and can lead to greater complications.

Purpose

• The purpose of taking antibiotics for sinus pain is to clear up the infection, which is causing the pain. Antibiotics are considered to be selective poison that intentionally kills all bacteria in the body. While killing all of the bacteria in the body is not the best approach for daily living, for an infection, this may be the only choice. The antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, thereby killing the infection. Once the infection is gone, the sinus cavity will return to its normal size and function.

Time Frame

• The typical time frame for antibiotic treatment for a sinus infection is 10 to 14 days, but it is not uncommon for a prescription to call for 14 to 21 days, depending on your doctor's recommendation. The symptoms of the sinus infection will go away within the first 3 to 4 days of an antibiotic regimen, but the individual must take the medication for the entirety of the prescription to ensure complete removal of the infection.

Types

• According to www.medicinenet.com, amoxicillin is the first type of antibiotic used to treat sinus pain caused by a sinus infection. If the patient has developed an immunity to amoxicillin, a doctor may recommend penicillin or cefaclor. Other antibiotics used to cure a sinus infection are loracarbef, clarithromycin, azithromycin and trimethoprim. Your doctor will be able to determine the best medication for your situation based on your age, other medical conditions and severity of the infection.

Considerations

• If the sinus infection is being caused by a virus, antibiotics will be ineffective. Antibiotics only fight off bacteria and will not harm viruses. A virus must work itself out of the system without the use of medication. Some people are allergic to antibiotics and could experience severe side effects such as hives, swollen glands, fainting and dizzy spells. If there is not improvement of the sinus pain within the first seven days of taking an antibiotic, see your doctor, as your condition may be more complex.