What to do if the antibiotic does not help? | Antibiotic therapy for sinusitis

What to do if the antibiotic does not help?

In case of an acute sinusitis, an antibiotic, if it works well, should shorten the duration of the disease by 2 to 3 days on average. The symptoms should improve after 1 to 2 days under antibiotics. If this is not the case, you should see your doctor and discuss the further procedure with him.

However, it is important not to simply stop taking the antibiotic unless you are suffering from intolerance or severe side effects. The discontinuation of the antibiotic should be well-considered, since incomplete intake of antibiotics promotes resistance in bacteria. This makes them more difficult to treat.

Antibiotic therapy during pregnancy

Antibiotics can also be used during pregnancy to combat bacterial, acute sinusitis. However, the treatment should be strictly weighed up just as outside of a pregnancy. However, if the criteria for a therapy with an antibiotic are met, the antibiotic should also be taken.

The complications of a bacterial sinusitis can otherwise be dangerous for the unborn child. Penicillins such as amoxicillin, which is also the drug of choice, are well tolerated during pregnancy and have no negative effects on the unborn child. Let an ENT specialist give you detailed advice.

How long must the antibiotic be taken?

In the case of acute sinusitis, antibiotics are usually prescribed for 5 to 10 days, if it makes sense to take them. It is important to take the antibiotic completely for the specified period. An exception is, of course, in case of intolerance, allergic reaction or strong side effects.

How long does it take for improvement?

Improvement occurs when the antibiotic is effective against the bacteria. A prerequisite for this is that the sinusitis is caused by bacteria. The effectiveness of the therapy is improved by a good pre-selection of patients who are likely to have a bacterial infection based on their symptoms. Then, after about 1 to 2 days under antibiotic therapy, an improvement should occur. However, it can also take 3 to 4 days, which varies greatly from individual to individual.