Brief Answer:
Please continue taking augmentin for 21 days if there is relief

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Insurance companies vary in their policies regarding higher and expensive investigations. As CT scan of paranasal sinuses might be an expensive investigation, insurance policies require that you complete a course of antibiotics as instructed by your doctor and then proceed with a CT scan after confirmation of probable conditions relating to paranasal air sinuses.

It is important to read through your insurance policy in detail and discuss it with your doctor regarding the insurance coverage of a CT scan and fulfillment of any other procedures.

As you still have fever and post nasal drip even after six days of antibiotics, it is possible that you have a severe infection and it is taking time for the antibiotics to control the infection. If your fever has come down slightly then it is best to continue with your augmentin for 21 days for complete recovery. This is because you might have a chronic sinusitis and taking an extended course of antibiotics is recommended.

If there is no improvement after 10 days of augmentin then please discuss with your doctor if you need a change of antibiotics.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Brief Answer:
Augmentin works for most bacterial infections

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I understand your concern and your symptoms might be indicative of a chronic course of sinusitis, bacterial or fungal.

Sinusitis is classified based upon the duration of symptoms:
Acute - when symptoms are less than 8 weeks
Sub acute - when symptoms show improvement but present from 8 to 12 weeks
Chronic - when symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks and do not show significant improvement with a short course of antibiotics.

Augmentin is a broad spectrum antibiotic and controls infections caused by most bacteria. CT scan is being done to assess any other causes of infection like fungal infections or chronic bacterial infections. From a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses it can be diagnosed whether the infection pattern has a fungal origin.

Sometimes there can also be mixed bacterial and fungal infections, if symptoms are persisting for a long duration.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Brief Answer:
Procedures and medications are there to drain sinuses and treat infections

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

Thanks for writing back with an update.

I am sorry to hear the discomfort you are in and wish you a quick recovery.

There are many options depending on the CT scan findings. If the sinuses are blocked with retained secretions then your doctor might clear the sinus passages by doing a fiber optic endoscopic procedure. If there are features of chronic debris in the sinuses then that has to be tested for the organisms causing the infections. Specific medications are available to treat either condition.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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