do you need antibiotics to take care of a sinus infection?

Question

or can you body handle it by its self.

Answer 1

There are two broad categories of sinusitis: acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. Many treatment choices are currently available for both types of sinusitis. Deciding on the best treatment option means weighing the risks and benefits of each. Once a decision is reached, you should approach your treatment with confidence, a positive mental attitude, and a thorough understanding of the anticipated outcome. It is important to set realistic goals for your recovery — and to be willing to work steadily toward achieving those goals.

Acute Sinusitis
Unlike a cold, or an allergy, acute bacterial sinusitis requires antibiotic treatment to cure the infection. About half of all bacterial sinus infections will resolve without antibiotics. Because the symptoms of sinusitis and a cold can be identical, it is common to assume that a sinus infection that is less than 5 to 7 days in duration is a viral infection that does not require an antibiotic. However, if sinus symptoms do not improve after 5 to 7 days, it becomes more likely that the infection is caused by bacteria and will respond to an antibiotic.

Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis symptoms can be difficult to treat, in part because treatment may require the coordinated efforts of several specialists to treat all of the aspects of the disease. In general, however, treating chronic sinusitis is similar to treating acute sinusitis. If antibiotic treatment fails, allergy testing, desensitization, and/or surgery may be recommended as the most effective means for treating chronic sinusitis. Research studies suggest that the vast majority of people who undergo surgery have fewer symptoms and better quality of life.

Answer 2

Depends on how bad the sinus infection is, and how long you've had it. And there is a good chance that if it doesn't go away soon enough it will go into sinusitis. I had that, and it was horrible. I was on antibiotics for so long, and they never helped. I finally found something that did work... a sinus rinse kit. Now, every time I start to get a sinus infection (I get them easily now, probably because of the sinusitis) I irrigate my sinuses, and It goes away within a day or 2. (not the netti pot, or snorting anything up your nose... this actually sends a stream of water through your nose, In one nostril and out the other, and irrigates it, and you control the pressure, and it doesn't hurt at all. I thought it felt good after being so stuffed up) It's wonderful. I would call providence or something, and they have nurses you can talk on the phone to free of charge, and you could probably get a good answer from one of them. I hope things work out for you. Have a good day! :)

Answer 3

Antibiotics can actually make some sinus infections worse since many are caused by fungal infections.

Answer 4

A sinus infection needs antibiotics. Yes.
I have had good success with using garlic and zinc if I catch it right at the beginning.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Antibiotics are needed or the infection will spread. While there are herbal things you can use it's only in the first stages, once the infection sets in the herbal remedies aren't effective mainly due to the inability to use get the proper herbs now.

Answer 6

Your body could handle it by itself, but it takes a lot longer to heal than if you took something for it. Any over the counter medication will work, without the cost of a prescription and going to the doctor. I've found stinging nettle capsules also work wonders. You can find that at a GNC, or in the organic/natural section of your pharmacy.

Answer 7

You need to see a Dr. Bacterial infections can be taken care with an antibiotic, but viral infection cannot. You will need an antiviral. But only a Dr. can determine which one you have.

Answer 8

No! do a nasal lavage (a pinch of salt in 1/2 cup warm water.- sniff it up your nose) Get a cool mist humidifier, and add a pint of hydrogen peroxide to the gallon tank. Run that at night while you sleep.

Answer 9

You need the antibotics. Without them it can get reeaal nasty.