A sinus infection is also called sinusitis. It is an illness that makes your sinuses swell. When the sinuses are inflamed, you may feel pain in your face and head.
Your nose may also feel blocked and you can have thick mucus and even a fever. You might also feel tired and weak.
To feel better, you will need a proper sinus treatment. The doctor you will want to see for a proper sinus treatment in Singapore is an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) as they specialize in issues related to the ears, nose, and throat.
If the issue is related to allergies, you may be referred to an allergist to help identify any triggers that could be contributing to your sinus problems
On this page, we will explain what a sinus infection is and how to know if you have one. We will also help you learn if your infection is bacterial or viral and discuss the best antibiotic treatment options. Read on!
How Do I Know if My Sinus Infection Is Bacterial or Viral?
Before beginning any treatment for a sinus infection in Singapore, it is very important to know if your sinus infection is bacterial or viral. This is important because whether the infection is bacterial or viral affects your treatment.
Viral sinus infections are common and often start after a cold. With a viral infection, you may see a runny nose and experience a mild fever which may come with a cough. The symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days and you might feel better on your own.
Bacterial infections work in a different way as they tend to last longer. The pain and pressure in your face may increase over time and your nasal discharge might turn thick and yellow or green. You can get a high fever.
The symptoms may worsen after a week. Seeing a doctor who specializes in diseases like sinus infections is the best option to determine the type of infection.
An ENT doctor in this case is the doctor you will want to see. On your initial consultation, they will ask about your symptoms and check how long they last.
They might look into your nose or even take a small sample of your mucus. Tests can show if bacteria are present.
These initial tests are important as you shouldn’t use antibiotics for viral infections. Using them wrongly can harm your health.
Importantly, overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance. This means that antibiotics might not work well in the future.
What Is the Best Antibiotic for a Sinus Infection?
If it is determined that your sinus infection is bacterial, antibiotics you may need antibiotics for proper relief. However, not every sinus infection needs an antibiotic.
In many cases, a cold or a viral infection can clear on its own. When bacteria are the cause, your doctor will decide on the right antibiotic. The best antibiotic depends on many factors. Your age, overall health, and any allergies all matter.
A common antibiotic for bacterial sinus infections is amoxicillin. Amoxicillin is strong and works well for most people.
Sometimes, doctors add clavulanate to amoxicillin to fight more types of bacteria. If you are allergic to penicillin, your doctor may choose doxycycline.
In some cases, a cephalosporin is used. The choice of antibiotic is based on your unique situation.
Once you’ve began a treatment, it is very important that you religiously follow your doctor’s advice. Take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed. Even if you feel better early, you must finish the medicine.
You do not want to stop early as this can leave bacteria alive and cause the infection to come back or become stronger. Your doctor may also suggest other ways to help you recover like using saline sprays or decongestants.
Such treatments can help clear your nose and reduce pain as they support the antibiotic treatment and help your body heal. Always ask your doctor if you have any doubts about your medicine
What Are Signs That a Sinus Infection Is Getting Better?
After you begin treatment, you want to see improvement. This explains why many patients frequently ask; what are signs that a sinus infection is getting better?
Now, your body will show signs of healing over time. Some changes are easy to notice. For example, you may see less nasal congestion, the thick mucus may become clearer and thinner, and your facial pain may lessen.
Your fever can also drop and you might feel less tired each day. That said, to know if your sinus infection is getting better, look for these signs:
- Reduced nasal blockage and easier breathing.
- Less facial pain and pressure.
- Thinner or clearer nasal discharge.
- Lower fever and improved energy levels.
- A better sense of smell and taste.
These changes show that the antibiotic and other treatments are working. Recovery can be gradual and it is normal if you do not feel better right away. Do not worry.
Good care takes time so continue to follow your doctor’s advice. Always finish your full course of antibiotics and as earlier explained, do not stop your medicine even if you feel better.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, please call your doctor. They may adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Wrapping Up
Sinus infections can disrupt your daily life as they cause not just pain, but also pressure, and discomfort. Only bacterial infections need antibiotics though and the best antibiotic is chosen based on your health and the type of bacteria.
You must always complete your antibiotic course. Keep track of your symptoms as you recover to know if your sinus infection is getting better. With the right treatment and careful follow-up, you cannot only overcome a sinus infection but also manage return to your normal life in a few days.
Do you have a sinus infection and still unsure whether it is bacterial or viral? Why not book an appointment today for thorough assessment and treatment planning. Get in touch with a skilled ENT doctor for sinus infection treatment today.