How important are abx for a sinus infection?

[bisous]

I'm pretty sure I have a sinus infection. I have tons of pressure and I keep waking up (TMI alert) with snot in my eyes, ick. Plus DS3 was just diagnosed, so was my neighbor and so was my good friend. They seem to be "going around" in conjunction with this cold/flu thing that we're all sick with!

I just don't want to see a doctor about it but I'm wondering how crucial it is to get a script for it? I have lots of headachy pressure and congestion but am not too uncomfortable and since I'm not pg this time around, I can actually take medications that make me feel comfortable.

Would you go in? It would probably end up costing me about $30, $20 co pay and $10 generic abx.

TIA!

[AngelaS]

I woiuldn't. I take about 6 to 8 goldenseal root capsules when my sinuses are full. Within about two or three days, I'm as good as new.

I haven't had to see a doctor for a sinus infection in the 8 years since I learned about GS. It's a great herb!

[Nooknookmom]

Well I know all our bodies react to infection differently but here's my take-I get chronic sinus inf. about every 3-4 months, I had one in Nov. and chalked it up to "here we go again".

By the first of December I was feeling HORRID - same green snot in my eyes, I took a roll of TP with me in the car bc all I did was blow it out, thought I would for once skip abx to give my system a rest.

DD had an early Christmas party at school and I had been really ill that week, I should have been in bed but didn't wanna miss out. I worked it and by the time I got home felt the feeling of "uh oh something is really wrong". Took a nap and woke with a 103+ fever and was shaking uncontrollably.

I called my ins urgent care and they were only open 30 more min and I have a 20 min drive...I don't know how I got there!

Soon as I walked in the doc checked me and said "honey you have pneumonia".

Spent the whole month of December and into January battling it.

If you are not better in the next few days and a fever won't go away - go get some!!!!

[Melaine]

Following this thread. I had a similar question a few weeks ago. I felt worse and worse, finally went in for abx....the symptoms improved somewhat but never cleared. I am wondering if I have to go back or can just muddle through and hope time heals?

[trales]

Once they get full blown, you kind of have to do the abx. But, before it gets that way I sinus rinse everyday and it makes a huge difference, I get a lot less fewer infections and the ones that do get bad go away faster.

[bisous]

Thanks for weighing in. I just don't feel THAT bad yet, so I think I'm going to wait for a bit. I'll try some more home care (thanks for the recs on that) and just take it easy this weekend with a resolve to go in if I start feeling worse.

[Tondi G]

I have always ended up needing to get the abx ... I was having recurring sinus infections the last couple of years and was determined to try to find something to prevent my colds from turning in the sinus infections. I bought Xlear nasal spray, it's saline with Xylitol and grapefruit seed extract. I have not had a sinus infection since I started using this spray. I also take elderberry, oregano oil and extra Vit C and D.

You could try getting the Xlear and see if it helps you clear it out. http://www.xlear.com/

[georgiegirl]

I have always ended up needing to get the abx ... I was having recurring sinus infections the last couple of years and was determined to try to find something to prevent my colds from turning in the sinus infections. I bought Xlear nasal spray, it's saline with Xylitol and grapefruit seed extract. I have not had a sinus infection since I started using this spray. I also take elderberry, oregano oil and extra Vit C and D.

You could try getting the Xlear and see if it helps you clear it out. http://www.xlear.com/

I need to get that stuff. I also have recurring sinus infections. At least 50% of my colds turn into them, and then I need antibiotics. If I don't get on antibiotics, the sinus infection won't go way. I've held out 2 weeks before with no improvement, then after 2 days of antibiotics, I'm noticeably better. I'm lucky that DH is a physician, so he just calls me in a script when I need it. But I will definitely look into that nasal spray.

[MSWR0319]

My dad just had a really bad sinus infection and didn't go in. A week later he went in and had pneumonia because it had drained into his chest. The doctor told him had he come in sooner, he could have treated just the sinus infection. Now, two weeks after treatment, dad just had to call back and get more drugs because nothing is kicking either thing. The doctor also told him he's seeing a lot of this type of sinus infection. I'd go if it's coming out your eyes!

[BabbyO]

I haven't had a full blown sinus infection in forever...until December. It was so bad that I was loosing my balance. I got abx then because nothing OTC was helping with the balance stuff. After about 18 hrs on the abx I was feeling much better. In general I just stick it out because I got so many abx as a kid (chronic ear infections) I don't like to take them unless I need to. But when I can't walk properly....I go get the abx.