Why would a doctor prescribe allergy meds for a sinus infection?

Question

Wouldn't they suppress the ability of the immune system to fight the infection just a bit?
The meds are zyrtec and fluticasone propionate nasal spray.

Lawrence, all of that sounds fine, except I told her I do have rather dark brown mucous. I had a window done a few years back, so I doubt there is a blockage. She also gave me a prescription for a Z-Pak (zithromax?) and told me to fill it if my temperature goes up over 100.5 or 101.

Answer 1

These drugs are antihistamines and steroids, used to help with the symptoms that you are experiencing with a sinus infection. They will help decrease the inflammation and will aid in the drainage of your sinuses. Antibiotic resistance is becoming more and more of a problem, so try these medications first and if they don't help, then turn to an antibiotic.

Answer 2

Firstly, I'd like to put a disclaimer first and say that I'm NOT a medical doctor, so although I can give you a well educated guess, it in no way is meant to replace the advice from a registered medical practitioner.

Zyrtec is an antihistamine. It's action is to prevent the release of histamine, which contributes to an allergic reaction. One of it's side effects is it's ability to clear the sinus passages through what is known as it's anticholinergic activity. This is why I think the Doctor prescribed Zyrtec.

As for Fluticasone, it is an anti-inflammatory spray, that if used on a regular basis, can actually prevent your sinuses from being blocked up.

The combination of Zyrtec and Fluticasone seem to suggest to me that you do NOT have a sinus infection, but more a sinus blockage. If you had a sinus infection (as evidenced by coloured sputum, or mucous), then the Doctor would have prescribed an antibiotic. I think the Doctor thinks your condition is more of an allergic rhinitis, or put simply, hayfever.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

i am in agreement that the antibiotics will suppress your immune system. they kill all bacteria in your system, good and bad, so for me, they have actually caused an infection somewhere else in the body. i have actually developed a fatal allergy to penicillin and it derivatives.
anyway, there is a yogic practice to help drain your sinus passages, that does take a little getting used to, but is effective. warm salt water, in the palm of your hand, close one nostril, inhale thru the other. do the same on both sides.
what i have found effective as far as any infection, is 2,000 mg vit c, then 1,000 vit c every 4 hours. drink as much water as you can, preferably 64 oz a day or more. i have also visited my chiropractor and was able to knock a sinus infection out doing just those things.
good luck

Answer 4

Often a sinus infection will start if mucous is blocked and can't drain. You've a;lways got lots of bacteria in your sinuses. If they don't drain normally, the bacteria build up and cause an infection. If you drain the area, sometimes that is enough, then your own immune system can take care of the rest. Also, if it is blocked and you take antibiotics, they don't work as well as if you were clear.

Answer 5

Hi Zelda

Your right on about the surpress issue. You need to kill the infection and get it out of your system. Here are some herbs or homeopathy remedies to resolve your issue. Be sure to get checked for allergies though for the future.

Herbs: Useful herbs for treating and preventing sinusitis include Echinacea, elder flowers, ephedra, eyebright, garlic, goldenrod, goldenseal, horseradish, Oregon grape, pokeroots, purple cornflower, stinging nettle, wild indigo, and yarrow.

Homeopathy:

Arsenicum album – for nasal discharge that is burning, thin, and watery, which becomes worse following exposure to open air, and/or is accompanied by chills, anxiety, and a desire for warm drinks

Kalium bichromium – to relieve nasal congestion and postnasal drip when accompanied by feeling of pressure in the nose and impaired smell

Mercurius iodatus – for sinusitis accompanied by raw or ulcerated nostrils and symptoms that are made worse at night, exacerbated by perspiration, and/or include yellowish-green nasal discharge with flecks of blood

Nux vomica – for sinusitis accompanied by frontal headaches, increased nasal congestion at night, and sensitivities to cold, light, and noise

Silicea – for sinusitis accompanied by dry, hard, easily bleeding crusts in the nose, loss of smell, pain when the bones of the nose are touched

Euphorbium compositum – used as a nasal spray, can also be effective for sinusitis, especially chronic sinusitis


Best of health to you

Answer 6

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Answer 7

sinus infections are sumtimes caused by allergies so if you take medicine to help the allergies then your sinus infection will get better too

Answer 8

They probably contain a decongestant-not an easy thing to find over the counter these days!!!!

Answer 9

to help dry up the mucus and decrease your symptoms. to help you breath better the antibiotics help fight the infection.

Answer 10

try the neti pot. it works. i have many allergies, and i use it twice a day and im not stufffy and dont have headaches xxo jay