Antibiotics useless for sinus infections
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The next time you get a sinus infection, maybe you should skip the antibiotics—because they don’t actually do anything for you, a new study has found.
Researchers discovered that patients who received the commonly-prescribed amoxicillin didn’t see any significant benefit in terms of symptom reduction compared to those who got a placebo. “Our results show that antibiotics aren’t necessary for basic sinus infections,” the study’s senior author tells the AFP. “Most people get better on their own.”
The researchers believe doctors are over-prescribing the antibiotic, despite limited evidence that it actually works. “There is a movement afoot, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to try to improve the judicious use of antibiotics,” another author says. “We hope this study provides scientific evidence that doctors can use with patients to explain that an antibiotic is not likely to help an acute sinus infection.”
Thx Newser…
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I would urge you to add that sometimes, it’s critical to take antibiotics to cure a sinus infection! Always, always let the doctor make the decision – I have had at least 3 hard to treat sinus infections, and have scar tissue build-up from them. Without Levaquin, who knows how sick I could have gotten – I could have needed surgery. The phrase you use, “not likely to help an acute sinus infection,” is, I feel, overly broad and may lead people to not consult their doctor.
I have dealt with those most of my life. Somewhere along the way my GP suggested that I use warm salt water rinses to fight the sinus infections. Not only does it clear them up for me quicker but I seem to get them less frequently.
I get at least 5 of these a year, and I used to take antibiotics. My husband, who for some bizarre reason knows these things, told me to stop, that it takes 10 days to get over, and the meds were not helping speed up the process. This is an excellent post, and thank you for sharing very important information!
Glad you found it helpful Erin.