I have been to see my M.D Twice since January 28 1997, he x rayed my face and said I had a sinus infection. I was given a prescription for Biaxin and Duratuss. The Biaxin caused me severe abdominal cramping and Diarreah, I was told to take half the dose prescribed, which I suffered through. I got relief for about 3-4 weeks after 14 days of medication. I went back to the Dr. in March, same Rx. Back to the doctor May 8, actually I saw the nurse practioner Rx for Vantin prescribed, Duratuss and an injection of Cortisone. Never finished the 2 week round of antibiotics. I was back at the doctors office May 21, saw the nurse again. This time she prescribed Ceftin 250 Mg twice a day,Clartin D twice a day and Deltasone 5 mg 10 first day with decrease in dose each day. Also during this whole treatment I have been using Fluonase as instructed once a day for the last two visits as instructed. I have asked about an ENT and instead am being sent for a Cat Scan Fri may 23rd and was told I would receive a call as to what comes next. I have had no energy to exercise through all this, I continually feel miserable as today , my stomach is again cramping and diarreah has again started, I'm thinking it's the antibiotic again. Can you please offer any advice?? I'm desperate, Do I need to seek another doctor?
Reply: ------------------------------
It is possible that you have chronic sinusitis based upon your description of symptoms and the duration. Sustained medical therapy which includes topical nasal steroids (such as Flonase) and systemic steroids such as the Cortisone combined with long term antibiotics are usually recommended. Antihistamines such as Claritin should be avoided if possible since they may adversely affect sinus drainage - antihistamines tend to dry whereas it is more appropriate to liquify secretions to improve drainage. Medications such as Duratuss may be helpful. Extended spectrum antibiotics not infrequently cause gastro-intestinal side effects. Unfortunately several weeks of continuous antibiotic therapy may be required to eradicate chronic sinus infection. However, it is not always necessary to use extended spectrum antibiotics such as Biaxin, Ceftin, or Vantin in chronic sinusitis. There are older generation antibiotics that can provide equal benefit in chronic sinusitis with less side effects than the extended spectrum newer antibiotics provided they are given for several weeks continuously. It is also important to address environmental factors such as allergy. When medical therapy fails after 4-6 weeks of continuous therapy it is appropriate to get a CAT scan - if there are positive findings present on the scan then an ENT consultation would be advisable.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
Click here to review
previous Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic consultations