Sinus infections: Do you ALWAYS need an antibiotic?

[luvwinnie]

I have had them clear up without antibiotics but I give it a set time frame before I go in and get some.

I usually get a really big one once a year. One year I did not go to the doctors and the infection started to spread to my brain, very very dangerous. I ended up in the ER. I couldnt get out of bed for 3 days, and the pain was so intense ( even with rx pain killers) that I literally wished I was dead so I wouldnt hurt anymore, it was that bad.

So now needless to say if it hasnt cleared up on its own in a week then I go in for antibiotics.

I've heard of this happening...definitely motivates me to see the dr.!

 

[disneynutt1225]

As I find my allergies are acting up quite a bit lately, I think maybe I should go back on Allegra. In the meantime, should I try Claritin? Does Claritin help?

I found that Claritin-D helped me more than Allegra-D.

 

[Tiffann4k]

I've heard of this happening...definitely motivates me to see the dr.!

I had never heard of it before, never thought it was possible until I ended up in the ER with the dr chewing me a new one because I waited so long Learned my lesson after that. I generally have a high tolerance for pain but at the time I wish I was dead so I wouldnt have to feel what I was feeling, it was terrible.

 

[BarometerMan]

Two words:

Neti Pot

Whenever I have sinus problems, a warm water saline solution flush works for me. Google it up on the internet and you may find a video that demonstrates the proper use of the pot.

 

[Tuffcookie]

I go between sinus infections and migraine headaches. One seems to trigger the other. I am finding that if I take a Zyrtec at night and increase my water intake I'm getting fewer of them. Also, when I start to feel the pressure build up in my cheeks, I put a very warm compress on my face and lie down for a while.

TC