Sinusitis

Ear/Nose/Throat

Acute sinusitis, Sinus infection, Rhinosinusitis

Sinusitis, also called a sinus infection, is the inflammation of the sinuses—air-filled spaces in the skull around the nose and eyes. It often develops after a cold or allergies cause swelling that blocks normal mucus drainage, leading to congestion, facial pressure, headache, and nasal discharge. Most cases are viral and improve within 7–10 days without antibiotics, though bacterial sinusitis can cause more severe or persistent symptoms. Chronic sinusitis lasts for 12 weeks or longer and may involve ongoing inflammation, often linked to allergies, nasal polyps, or structural issues. Treatment may include nasal saline rinses, decongestants, corticosteroid sprays, and, in some cases, antibiotics or surgery.

AI Summary of Treatment Experiences

Not medical advice.

# Treatment Summary for Sinusitis Based on reviewer feedback, sinusitis treatment follows a tiered approach: **Amoxicillin** is the preferred first-line antibiotic for uncomplicated bacterial cases, while **Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin)** is used for more severe infections or treatment failures. **Doxycycline** and **Levofloxacin** serve as alternatives for penicillin-allergic patients or resistant cases, though Levofloxacin is reserved for complicated cases due to serious side effects. **Fluticasone propionate** is recommended as an adjunct to reduce inflammation, particularly in chronic sinusitis or suspected viral cases. For symptom relief, **Oxymetazoline** provides rapid decongestant effects (short-term only), while **Pseudoephedrine** is used cautiously given cardiovascular risks.