Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Sinusitis: Should I Take Antibiotics?
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Sinusitis: Should I Take Antibiotics?
Get the facts
Your options
- Take antibiotics to treat sinusitis.
- Don't take antibiotics. Try other medicines and home treatment instead.
Key points to remember
- Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. Most people who get sinusitis have a cold first. Sinusitis usually goes away on its own.
- Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't help. Over-the-counter medicines and home treatment can help you feel better.
- Antibiotics do work if sinusitis is caused by bacteria. But you may not need to take them. Most people get better even if they don't take antibiotics.
- Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
- Antibiotics have side effects. The most common ones include upset stomach, diarrhea, and belly pain. Antibiotics can also lead to vaginal yeast infections.
FAQs
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities. Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus. But it can also be caused by bacteria. Most people who get sinusitis have a cold first. Sinusitis can cause pain and pressure in your head and face.
There are two types of sinusitis:
- Acute (short-term). Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a virus. It can last for 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms often start to clear up on their own in 10 to 14 days.
- Chronic (long-term). Chronic sinusitis is usually caused by bacteria. Sometimes it is caused by a fungus. It can last for 8 weeks or longer and can be hard to treat.
How is sinusitis treated?
Your treatment will depend on the cause of your sinusitis. Most of the time, treatment includes medicines and taking care of yourself at home. Medicines that are used most often include:
- Decongestants, such as Sudafed, that are taken as pills or liquids. These can reduce swelling and improve sinus drainage.
- Over-the-counter pain medicine, such acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (for example, Advil).
- Antibiotics, which kill bacteria. Antibiotics will only work if your sinusitis is caused by bacteria. Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus.
How do you know if your sinusitis is caused by bacteria?
You may have a bacterial infection in your sinuses if:
- You have pain in your cheeks or upper back teeth and a high fever that doesn't go away.
- You have a lot of bright yellow or green drainage from your nose for more than 10 days.
- Decongestants do not relieve your pain.
- Your symptoms get worse instead of better after your cold is gone.
How well do antibiotics work for sinusitis?
Antibiotics work in most cases of acute sinusitis that are caused by bacteria. Most people start feeling better 3 to 4 days after they start taking the medicine.
Taking antibiotics properly cures bacterial sinusitis in about 90 out of 100 people.1 This means that the treatment doesn't work for 10 out of 100 people.
Antibiotics won't work for infections caused by a virus. Over-the-counter medicines and home treatment can help you feel better.
What are the risks of antibiotics?
Taking antibiotics you don't need won't help you feel better, cure your infection, or keep others from catching your infection. And if you take antibiotics too often, they may not work when you really do need them.
Common but mild side effects of antibiotics include:
- Upset stomach.
- Diarrhea.
- Belly pain.
- Vaginal yeast infections.
If you do take antibiotics, take them as directed. Keep taking them even after you start to feel better. The infection may not go away if you don't take all of the medicine your doctor prescribes.
How can you treat sinusitis without antibiotics?
Whether sinusitis is caused by bacteria or by a virus, most people get better even if they don't take antibiotics.2 Home treatment for sinusitis can help relieve your symptoms. Here are some things you can do:
- Drink plenty of fluids to thin your mucus.
- Apply moist heat (using a hot, damp towel or gel pack) to your face for 5 to 10 minutes. Do this at least 3 times a day.
- Breathe warm, moist air from a steamy shower, a hot bath, or a sink filled with hot water.
- Use saltwater nasal washes to help keep your nasal passages open and to wash out mucus and bacteria. You can buy these saline nose drops at a drugstore or grocery store, or you can make your own at home. You may also find it helpful to gargle with warm salt water.
- Use over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers and decongestants to help you feel better.
- If you need to blow your nose, do it gently. Blowing your nose too hard may force thick mucus back into your sinuses. Keep both nostrils open when you blow your nose.
Why might your doctor recommend antibiotics for sinusitis?
You doctor may recommend antibiotics if:
- You have symptoms of a bacterial infection and you have not gotten better after 10 days, even with home treatment.
- Your symptoms are severe, or you have other problems, such as pus forming in your sinus cavities.
- You have had sinusitis for 8 weeks or longer (chronic sinusitis).
Compare your options
Compare
What is usually involved? |
| |
What are the benefits? |
| |
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
Take antibiotics to
treat sinusitis Take antibiotics to
treat sinusitis
- You take antibiotics to kill a bacterial infection.
- You may need to take a different antibiotic if the first one doesn't work.
- How long you take antibiotics depends on your health, how bad your infection is, and the kind of antibiotic you take.
- You may also take other medicines to help sinus drainage.
- If your sinusitis is caused by bacteria, you will start to feel better in 3 to 4 days.
- Taking antibiotics properly cures bacterial sinusitis in about 90 out of 100 people who have it. 1
- Side effects of antibiotics include a bad taste in the mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vaginal yeast infection.
- Taking antibiotics you don't need won't help you feel better, cure your infection, or keep others from catching your infection.
- If you take antibiotics too often, the medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
Don't take
antibiotics Don't take
antibiotics
- You use over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers and decongestants to feel better.
- You try home treatment, such
as:
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Applying moist heat to your face for 5 to 10 minutes at least 3 times a day.
- Breathing warm, moist air from a steamy shower or hot bath.
- Trying saltwater nasal washes to help keep your nasal passages open and to wash out mucus and bacteria.
- Most people get better on their own in 10 to 14 days.
- You avoid the risks of antibiotics.
- Your sinus infection may not get better on its own.
- Your sinus infection may get worse.
Personal stories
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
Personal stories about antibiotics for sinusitis
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I've had sinusitis a few times. So when my doctor suggested I take an antibiotic, I asked him if I really needed it. He said I would probably get better faster if I took the medicine. But I know from the other times that I'll probably be okay in a week or so anyway. So we decided to wait and see instead of trying antibiotics.
Maria, age 34
I can't wait to feel better. It seems like I've had bad sinus pain for the longest time. It's been at least 2 weeks. Nasal sprays aren't helping. I'm going to ask my doctor for antibiotics.
David, 28
I thought I just had a bad cold, but my doctor says I have sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection. I've been doing all the right things at home, but it isn't going away. I think antibiotics are the next step for me.
Carmen, 50
I thought I'd get my doctor to give me some antibiotics for my sinusitis. Then I'd be over it sooner. But it turns out that antibiotics won't help me, since my sinusitis started as a cold. I didn't know that antibiotics don't always work. I'm going to wait it out instead.
John, age 52
If you need more information, see the topic Sinusitis.
What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take antibiotics for sinusitis
Reasons not to take antibiotics
I know I have a bacterial infection that is causing my sinusitis.
A virus is causing my sinusitis.
More important
Equally important
More important
I've tried home treatment, but it has not helped.
I want to try home treatment and other medicines first.
More important
Equally important
More important
The side effects of antibiotics don't bother me.
I'm worried about the side effects of antibiotics.
More important
Equally important
More important
I want to take medicine if it will help me get better faster.
I don't want to take medicine that I might not need if I'll get better soon anyway.
More important
Equally important
More important
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
More important
Equally important
More important
Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking antibiotics
NOT taking antibiotics
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1.
Is sinusitis most often caused by a virus?
- YesYou are right. Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus, and antibiotics don't work against a virus.
- NoSorry, that's not right. Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus, and antibiotics don't work against a virus.
- I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Key points to remember." Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus, and antibiotics don't work against a virus.
2.
Is it okay to take antibiotics anytime you think they might help, even if you may not really need them?
- YesSorry, that's not right. Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
- NoYou're right. Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
- I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Key points to remember." Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
3.
Can antibiotics treat sinusitis that is caused by bacteria?
- YesYou're right. Antibiotics can treat short-term sinusitis when it is caused by bacteria. But many people get better even without antibiotics.
- NoSorry, that's not right. Antibiotics can treat short-term sinusitis when it is caused by bacteria. But many people get better even without antibiotics.
- I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Key points to remember." Antibiotics can treat short-term sinusitis when it is caused by bacteria. But many people get better even without antibiotics.
Decide what's next
1.
Do you understand the options available to you?
2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Your summary
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Your decision
Next steps
Which way you're leaning
How sure you are
Your comments
Your knowledge of the facts
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Getting ready to act
Patient choices
Credits and references
Credits
| Author | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
References
Citations
- Gwaltney JM (2005). Sinusitis. In GL Mandell et al., eds., Principles and Practices of Infectious Diseases, 6th ed., pp. 772–782. Philadelphia: Elsevier Churchill and Livingstone.
- Ah-See, K (2008). Sinusitis (acute), search date August 2007. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Sinusitis: Should I Take Antibiotics?
You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
- Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the Facts
Your options
- Take antibiotics to treat sinusitis.
- Don't take antibiotics. Try other medicines and home treatment instead.
Key points to remember
- Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. Most people who get sinusitis have a cold first. Sinusitis usually goes away on its own.
- Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't help. Over-the-counter medicines and home treatment can help you feel better.
- Antibiotics do work if sinusitis is caused by bacteria. But you may not need to take them. Most people get better even if they don't take antibiotics.
- Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
- Antibiotics have side effects. The most common ones include upset stomach, diarrhea, and belly pain. Antibiotics can also lead to vaginal yeast infections.
FAQs
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities. Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus. But it can also be caused by bacteria. Most people who get sinusitis have a cold first. Sinusitis can cause pain and pressure in your head and face.
There are two types of sinusitis:
- Acute (short-term). Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a virus. It can last for 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms often start to clear up on their own in 10 to 14 days.
- Chronic (long-term). Chronic sinusitis is usually caused by bacteria. Sometimes it is caused by a fungus. It can last for 8 weeks or longer and can be hard to treat.
How is sinusitis treated?
Your treatment will depend on the cause of your sinusitis. Most of the time, treatment includes medicines and taking care of yourself at home. Medicines that are used most often include:
- Decongestants, such as Sudafed, that are taken as pills or liquids. These can reduce swelling and improve sinus drainage.
- Over-the-counter pain medicine, such acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (for example, Advil).
- Antibiotics, which kill bacteria. Antibiotics will only work if your sinusitis is caused by bacteria. Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus.
How do you know if your sinusitis is caused by bacteria?
You may have a bacterial infection in your sinuses if:
- You have pain in your cheeks or upper back teeth and a high fever that doesn't go away.
- You have a lot of bright yellow or green drainage from your nose for more than 10 days.
- Decongestants do not relieve your pain.
- Your symptoms get worse instead of better after your cold is gone.
How well do antibiotics work for sinusitis?
Antibiotics work in most cases of acute sinusitis that are caused by bacteria. Most people start feeling better 3 to 4 days after they start taking the medicine.
Taking antibiotics properly cures bacterial sinusitis in about 90 out of 100 people.1 This means that the treatment doesn't work for 10 out of 100 people.
Antibiotics won't work for infections caused by a virus. Over-the-counter medicines and home treatment can help you feel better.
What are the risks of antibiotics?
Taking antibiotics you don't need won't help you feel better, cure your infection, or keep others from catching your infection. And if you take antibiotics too often, they may not work when you really do need them.
Common but mild side effects of antibiotics include:
- Upset stomach.
- Diarrhea.
- Belly pain.
- Vaginal yeast infections.
If you do take antibiotics, take them as directed. Keep taking them even after you start to feel better. The infection may not go away if you don't take all of the medicine your doctor prescribes.
How can you treat sinusitis without antibiotics?
Whether sinusitis is caused by bacteria or by a virus, most people get better even if they don't take antibiotics.2 Home treatment for sinusitis can help relieve your symptoms. Here are some things you can do:
- Drink plenty of fluids to thin your mucus.
- Apply moist heat (using a hot, damp towel or gel pack) to your face for 5 to 10 minutes. Do this at least 3 times a day.
- Breathe warm, moist air from a steamy shower, a hot bath, or a sink filled with hot water.
- Use saltwater nasal washes to help keep your nasal passages open and to wash out mucus and bacteria. You can buy these saline nose drops at a drugstore or grocery store, or you can make your own at home. You may also find it helpful to gargle with warm salt water.
- Use over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers and decongestants to help you feel better.
- If you need to blow your nose, do it gently. Blowing your nose too hard may force thick mucus back into your sinuses. Keep both nostrils open when you blow your nose.
Why might your doctor recommend antibiotics for sinusitis?
You doctor may recommend antibiotics if:
- You have symptoms of a bacterial infection and you have not gotten better after 10 days, even with home treatment.
- Your symptoms are severe, or you have other problems, such as pus forming in your sinus cavities.
- You have had sinusitis for 8 weeks or longer (chronic sinusitis).
2. Compare your options
| Take antibiotics to treat sinusitis | Don't take antibiotics | |
|---|---|---|
| What is usually involved? |
|
|
| What are the benefits? |
|
|
| What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
Personal stories
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
If you need more information, see the topic Sinusitis.
Personal stories about antibiotics for sinusitis
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I've had sinusitis a few times. So when my doctor suggested I take an antibiotic, I asked him if I really needed it. He said I would probably get better faster if I took the medicine. But I know from the other times that I'll probably be okay in a week or so anyway. So we decided to wait and see instead of trying antibiotics."
— Maria, age 34
"I can't wait to feel better. It seems like I've had bad sinus pain for the longest time. It's been at least 2 weeks. Nasal sprays aren't helping. I'm going to ask my doctor for antibiotics."
— David, 28
"I thought I just had a bad cold, but my doctor says I have sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection. I've been doing all the right things at home, but it isn't going away. I think antibiotics are the next step for me."
— Carmen, 50
"I thought I'd get my doctor to give me some antibiotics for my sinusitis. Then I'd be over it sooner. But it turns out that antibiotics won't help me, since my sinusitis started as a cold. I didn't know that antibiotics don't always work. I'm going to wait it out instead."
— John, age 52
3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take antibiotics for sinusitis
Reasons not to take antibiotics
I know I have a bacterial infection that is causing my sinusitis.
A virus is causing my sinusitis.
More important
Equally important
More important
I've tried home treatment, but it has not helped.
I want to try home treatment and other medicines first.
More important
Equally important
More important
The side effects of antibiotics don't bother me.
I'm worried about the side effects of antibiotics.
More important
Equally important
More important
I want to take medicine if it will help me get better faster.
I don't want to take medicine that I might not need if I'll get better soon anyway.
More important
Equally important
More important
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
More important
Equally important
More important
4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking antibiotics
NOT taking antibiotics
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1. Is sinusitis most often caused by a virus?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
You are right. Most of the time, sinusitis is caused by a virus, and antibiotics don't work against a virus.
2. Is it okay to take antibiotics anytime you think they might help, even if you may not really need them?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
You're right. Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
3. Can antibiotics treat sinusitis that is caused by bacteria?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
You're right. Antibiotics can treat short-term sinusitis when it is caused by bacteria. But many people get better even without antibiotics.
Decide what's next
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
- I'm ready to take action.
- I want to discuss the options with others.
- I want to learn more about my options.
3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Credits
| Author | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
References
Citations
- Gwaltney JM (2005). Sinusitis. In GL Mandell et al., eds., Principles and Practices of Infectious Diseases, 6th ed., pp. 772–782. Philadelphia: Elsevier Churchill and Livingstone.
- Ah-See, K (2008). Sinusitis (acute), search date August 2007. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.
Last Updated:August 3, 2010
Author:Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Welcome to Care Circle, an exclusive tool to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Here's how it works:
- Create profiles for yourself and your loved ones.
- Select the topics and conditions that interest each of you.
- Get customized news updates, original content, tools, and expert advice for each Care Circle member delivered directly to your personalized homepage.
The information you input is strictly private; you choose who has access to your Care Circle.
How do I add myself or someone else to my care circle?
Click on "Add someone." Fill out the short profile. Choose an avatar. Select the topics and conditions that interest this person from the pulldown menu. You can select as many as you want, but you must choose at least one. Click on "Add Someone" again. You should start getting updates immediately.
How do I save content to my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab of the person for whom you're saving content. Put your cursor over the piece of content that you want to save; a disk icon will appear in the righthand corner. Click on the disk and the piece of content will be moved to a save folder.
How do I add additional topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Add More to Follow," select additional topics and conditions.
How do I delete topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Follows," scroll over the topic or condition you want to delete. An "X" should appear on the righthand side. Click on the "X" and the topic or condition will be deleted from the list.
To manage your Care Circle, Please
Sign In.
