Are antibiotics helpful in acute sinusitis?
by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of one or more of the sinus cavities in the facial bones around the nose. It is categorized as acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term, the most common type). Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for the majority of patients with sinusitis even though most cases are caused by a virus rather than bacteria. Overuse of antibiotics is leading to more virulent and even drug-resistant bacteria. Acute sinusitis Most cases of sinusitis are acute infectious sinusitis, which generally lasts less than four weeks. Routine sinus infections arent really helped by antibiotics. In a December 2007 British study, people suffering from facial pain and a runny nose with greenish or yellowish mucous improved within about two weeks whether they took the standard antibiotic amoxicillin or steroid nose spray. Antibiotics, particularly the penicillin-like drug amoxicillin, are among the most commonly prescribed medicines for sinus infections. W
