What is the risk of infection in case of sinusitis with antibiotics?
As a rule, the risk of infection decreases from about the third day of taking the antibiotic. However, it is difficult to give an exact time. The antibiotic must be taken nevertheless up to the end, since only then the killing of all bacteria can be guaranteed.
Is it allowed to do sports if you have a sinusitis and take antibiotics?
Sports activities should be avoided during an acute infection. Although sport is in principle very beneficial to health, you should take it easy during a phase of illness.You should also not be deceived by symptoms that subside when taking antibiotics: The disease is not yet over at this time. Physical exertion during an infection can lead to the disease being spread.
In addition, pathogens can be carried over into the heart and heart valves. Particularly feared are inflammations of the heart muscle, which can occur especially if you take part in sporting activities when you have a fever. As a rule of thumb, you should refrain from training up to 3 days after the end of the illness and the complete intake of antibiotics.
After that, start with a light intensity and increase slowly. If you are unsure when you can start training again and what intensity is appropriate, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Your doctor can assess your state of health and give you professional advice.
Summary
Antibiotic therapy is indicated if the cause of the sinusitis is bacterial in nature. The antibiotic chosen depends on the pathogen that is known or suspected to be the cause. The pathogens that cause sinusitis are staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci or hemophilus influenzae.
They differ in their sensitivity to antibiotics, which means that different agents are used in therapy. Staphylococci are mainly treated with 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins. They are resistant to penicillin.
For MRSA and MRSE, glycopeptides such as vancomycin are used. Streptococci are sensitive to penicillin and can therefore be treated with it. In case of intolerance, one can switch to macrolides like erythromycin and clarithromycin.
If pneumococci are the causative agents, cephalosporins of the 3rd generation or glycopeptides such as vancomycin are most frequently used. Against Haemophilus influenzae one usually takes Augmentan or Cephalosporins of the 2nd and 3rd generation. Macrolides can also be used.
