Antibiotics for Sinusitis
Mainstream treatment for sinusitis (acute or chronic) is based on antibiotics. Most doctors also prescribe a few supplemental drugs such as antihistamines and decongestants. However, as bacteria become more resistant to antibiotics, chronic sinusitis affects a considerable percentage of the population. Some distinguished ENT doctors don’t even prescribe antibiotics anymore. Instead, they prefer natural remedies.
Here is an excerpt from founder and director of Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation (Chicago, USA), Dr. Alan Hirsch : “Overall, a review of literature dealing with sinus treatment concludes that in most cases ‘watchful waiting’ is probably the best course when an acute bacterial sinus infection appears the most likely diagnosis…. Patients may take an antibiotic or do nothing, and most of the time, no matter which path they take, their symptoms will clear up in another ten days to two weeks. Even if these infections are not bad colds, and truly are bacterial infections, it appears the majority resolve on their own anyway. Unless there is a demonstrated reason why ‘watchful waiting’ is unwise in your case, it is probably the most sensible way.”
Well, if you’re surprised to hear this from such an ENT specialist with more than 20 years’ experience, read below to learn why such doctors do not rely on antibiotics anymore.
Sinus Cures: Why Antibiotics Fail to Cure Chronic Sinusitis
An antibiotic is a substance derived from a mold or bacterium that inhibits the growth of other bacteria. Antibiotics are the foundation block in conventional treatment of active sinus infections. They’re successful and are therefore still the mainstay in the treatment of acute sinusitis. However, as most readers of this report know, chronic sinusitis may be difficult to treat even with a long-term usage. Complete failures do occur. Even in the case of success, the relief usually doesn’t last long; symptoms come back after some time. Here are the reasons why:
a. The Role of Bacteria
Or, is it bacteria at all?
Antibiotics are effective against sinus problems only if it is bacteria that cause these problems. Otherwise, you’ll get no benefit. If a fungal infection exits in the sinuses, a patient’s condition may even get worse upon a course of antibiotics, since they have a negative effect on the immune system.
Sometimes, fungal infections show up with the bacterial infection. I know a lady whose story with chronic sinusitis had turned into a real misery for more than 20 years. Antibiotics were not helping her. So, a doctor asked for a microbial culture performed by antral puncture (to be explained later). In the culture simultaneous bacterial and fungal infections were identified. So, doctors decided to perform surgery instead of prescribing another antibiotic. This was years ago, and despite the fact that most surgery doesn’t provide a lasting remedy, the lady remains sinusitis-free. So, chronic sinusitis sufferers, who could not become disease-free despite many medications with antibiotics, should doubt the existence of a bacterial infection and share this doubt with their doctors.
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