Sinusitis That Won't Clear Up Despite Multiple Antibiotics

Over one in 10 people develops sinusitis at some point. While bothersome symptoms, such as congestion, facial tenderness, and fatigue, often improve within a short time, they can persist for weeks or months, affecting everything from your mood to your ability to sleep.

If your sinusitis symptoms persist, regardless of one or more rounds of antibiotics, it’s time to consider another path to recovery.

At her offices in Valencia, Burbank, and Lancaster, California, Dr. Maricar Cutillar-Garcia provides personalized sinusitis care for children and adults.

Sinusitis basics

Your sinuses are hollow cavities in your facial bones that connect with your nasal passages. With sinusitis, the tissues in your sinuses get inflamed. Meanwhile, mucus builds up.

Sinusitis can occur acutely and resolve within 7-10 days, or become chronic and linger on for several months.

In both cases, symptoms often include:

Cough
Ear pain or pressure
Fatigue
Fever
Head pain when you bend over
Green or yellow nasal discharge
Postnasal drip
Reduced sense of smell or taste
Stuffy nose
Tenderness around your eyes, forehead, and nose
Toothaches

Sinusitis can stem from upper respiratory infections, like the common cold, the flu, and strep. Tooth infections can also contribute. You may also develop sinusitis due to allergic reactions to things like dust mites, mold, and pollen.

Structural abnormalities, smoking, a weakened immune system, and poor oral hygiene raise your risk for sinusitis.

Sinusitis that won’t clear up with antibiotics

Antibiotics resolve sinusitis in some, but not all, cases. If your symptoms don’t improve within 7-10 days, you may benefit from antibiotics. That’s only if we suspect a bacterial infection.

If your symptoms continue after one or multiple antibiotics, several factors may be to blame. For example, antibiotics won’t ease sinusitis caused by a virus or fungus.

Chronic sinusitis caused by underlying anatomical issues, immune system difficulties, or cystic fibrosis may not improve with antibiotics, either.

Other sinusitis treatments

If antibiotics can’t relieve your chronic sinusitis, other options may include oral or inhaled steroids or surgery.

Steroids reduce inflammation, which resolves most sinus symptoms. Surgery helps alleviate sinusitis related to nasal polyps, fungal infections, and structural challenges.

You can lower your risk of sinusitis flare-ups by avoiding allergens, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding or quitting smoking.

Dr. Cutillar-Garcia can create a customized treatment plan to bring you lasting sinusitis relief, regardless of the cause and severity of your symptoms. If needed, she’ll refer you to a specialist to discuss surgery.

To learn more or get started, call our office or request an appointment through our website today.