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Suggest Treatment For Severe Sinus Infection

Posted on Wed, 6 May 2015

Question: I have had severe sinus infection for the past 2 months. Idk what is wrong bc i have been on sudafed, mucinex, flonase, neilmed sinus rinse, amoxicillin, augmentin, prednisone, afrin, and aleve. I habe seen 2 Ents, 2 urgent care doctors, and ended up in the ER. My left ear is constantly feeling full and itchy inside no relief from ANY meds. Both ears full but the left ear is completely clogged. However i can pop my ears and still have no relief for fullness. It feels as if my sinuses are continuously draining down into my ears. The only time i any momentary relief is when i used neilmed sinus rinse and blow my nose hard . Please help me.

Answered by Dr. Goswami Debopom (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HealthCare Magic. Thank you for posting your query.
I can understand your concern.

The fullness of the ears is due to the sinusitis , the infection in the sinuses can spread tothe ears via the eustachian tube. The sinusistis is probably heading towards chronic sinusitis which we define as infection persisting more than 12 weeks.

It can be due to infection by bacteria or fungus or even nasal polyps, rhinitis - to name a few causes.

I would suggest you to
- use decongestant nose drops like otrivin.
- use steam inhalation - this will help to keep your sinuses well ventilated which in turn helps to control the infection.
- continue the antibiotics
- drink lots of water
- avoid air conditioning

You might need FESS - an endoscopic procedure to look at the sinuses once the infection subsides.

Hope this helps.
Write back to us.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Goswami Debopom (11 hours later)

Afrin did not have any effect on my sinusitis. In fAct i think it made it worse. I have already been on 2 rounds of antibiotics and it helped a little but still feels infected. What can i do if its a fungal infection? I was very sick with a sinus cold 2 months ago w a LOT of drainage which i think caused this. What other meds can i get to clear up the infection?

Answered by Dr. Goswami Debopom (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
For fungal infection , you can take drugs like fluconazole or nystatin.

Detailed Answer:
I would suggest you to

- Avoid dust,alcohol, tobacco
- Have nutritious diet. Vitamin C is helpful
- 1% ephedrine in saline can be used as nasal decongestant
- Antibiotics are to be used based on the sensitivity reports like erythromycin , cephalexin (other than the ones you have already taken)
- both topical and oral steroid can be used. Your doctor can guide on the exact dosage

For fungal infection , tablet Fluconazole 100 mg can be taken.

Write back to us.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Goswami Debopom (31 minutes later)

Thank you. I paged my ENT here and she prescribed me levaquin but i havent taken it yet. Trying not to take more antibiotics but i will probably start it tomorrow

Answered by Dr. Goswami Debopom (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you can start Levofloxacin.

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.

The antibiotics should have been started after a sensitivity report. However , once started , it is okay.

If you have no other question kindly rate the answer thread and close the question.

Regards.
Dr. Goswami

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar