I am a 47 yr old white male. I have never had any sinus problems in my life. Four months ago, I developed a very mild sore throat for a few days and then I developed a sinus drain that is constant and irritating. Nothing hurts, no ear pain, matter of fact my breathing is actually a little better I do not get congested at all, just a constant draining making my throat scratchy. I was given CEFZIL 250/twice a day for 2 weeks, then methlyprednesilone DOSE PACK for a week. IT ALMOST cleared it up, but it came back and here I am. I use my voice as an air traffic controller in the day and a singer at night, so this is not good. I'm going to a specialist tomorrow to see what he says. I hope they have some strong medicine to clean this up.
Reply: -------------------------
It is likely that you simply require a longer course of medication. It is not uncommon for a case of sinusitis to require medical therapy for a longer period of time than might be required to eradicate other types of infections such as tonsillitis or ear infections. Antibiotics have varying degrees of efficacy in terms of their ability to concentrate in the blood vessels located in the lining of the sinuses and thereby kill bacteria. Also, other factors may contribute to the stubborness of a sinus infection including resistant bacteria, an environment within the sinus that fosters the growth of bacteria (nasal airflow obstruction, polyps, deviations of the nasal septum, allergy, etc.) Stubborn infections typically require more than just antibiotic therapy. Improving ventilation of the sinuses may require decongestants either taken by mouth(Sudafed,etc.) or applied topically (Afrin,etc.). Additionally, measures designed to decrease the viscosity of nasal and sinus secretions, and therefore improve the drainage of the sinuses are typically helpful. Such measures include simply increasing the amount of fluids ingested, avoiding antihistamines until the infection is cleared, using over-the-counter expectorants or prescription mucolytic agents such as Fenesin, Duratuss-G, etc.
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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.
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