Sinus infection that won't quit

[Anonymous]

This is the twelfth day of being sick. I went to the doctor earlier this week and was prescribed a variety of amoxicillin for a sinus infection (had a really sore throat, tons of congestion, headache, etc).

It's improved marginally. I'm still blowing my nose a lot and it feels like I've been trapped under water sometimes (that sensation in the nose... Don't know how else to describe). I've been resting, drinking water and tea, used a Neti pot once, had been trying to breathe in warm vapor ... I just don't know what I can do to kick this thing. Now I can feel it moving to my chest and I'm not coughing that much but enough my chest is starting to hurt .

Any ideas, please ... The doctor is closed for the weekend. Feel like it's not enough to go to urgent care especially when I already have antibiotics .

[Anonymous]

I don't know what you can do today, but you probably should go back to the doctor. I had a sinus infection for a long time that I just couldn't kick until I went through a course of hefty antibiotics and steroids. Hang in there!

[Anonymous]

Ugh, thanks. I'll probably try to call on Monday. My voice is still raspy and I'm just sick of being sick!

[Anonymous]

Use Afrin ( no more than three days in a row) about ten minutes before you use your sinus rinse.
Omnicef is the only thing thing that will kick a sinus infection for me.
A shot of Bragg's apple cider vinegar will loosen the congestion.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! I got Afrin but just used it one day. It worked wonders. I should do it before the nasal rinse? That doesn't negate its effect ?

[Anonymous]

Chronic sinus infection sufferer here - you need new meds. Sometimes the less powerful antibiotics don't work (I'm looking at you, Zpac). You should go back and get something more heavy duty like Levoquin it it's been this long. Steroids will help too if you're in really bad shape, and you'll feel those effects within a day. I would call your doc and try to get better meds. Did you go to a GP? They often are terrible at sinus issues so you might want to go to an ENT instead. Also, for trouble sleeping, try Unisom - it won't dry you out like the other sleeping pills that are basically just Benadryl.

I was told that you are supposed to respond to an antibiotic within two days. If you don't, it's either viral or your antibiotics need to be upped. Don't let yourself suffer for so long!

[Anonymous]

Oops - meant Levaquin

[Anonymous]

I went Tuesday night. It was my doctor offices urgent care, so not my doc. I think he was a GP but I was so exhausted I didn't really pay attention. I wonder if they will re prescribe over the phone. Thanks for all the help, at least I have some ideas now!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chronic sinus infection sufferer here - you need new meds. Sometimes the less powerful antibiotics don't work (I'm looking at you, Zpac). You should go back and get something more heavy duty like Levoquin it it's been this long. Steroids will help too if you're in really bad shape, and you'll feel those effects within a day. I would call your doc and try to get better meds. Did you go to a GP? They often are terrible at sinus issues so you might want to go to an ENT instead. Also, for trouble sleeping, try Unisom - it won't dry you out like the other sleeping pills that are basically just Benadryl.

I was told that you are supposed to respond to an antibiotic within two days. If you don't, it's either viral or your antibiotics need to be upped. Don't let yourself suffer for so long!

Some of the Unisom formulations contain Benadryl.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you! I got Afrin but just used it one day. It worked wonders. I should do it before the nasal rinse? That doesn't negate its effect ?

Yes, use the Afrin, let it open the passages, then use the rinse. But don't use the Afrin for more than three days or you will get rebound congestion. Got this tip from my ENT. Allergies are bad this time of year, as well.

Get some better antibiotics, too.