How long does a bacterial sinus infection last without antibiotics?

“When do I really need antibiotics for a sinus infection?” is a question many patients have when suffering from bothersome sinus and allergy problems. While sinus infections can be quite painful, antibiotics often do not help in treating the condition.

Sinus infections affect approximately 37 million people in the U.S. each year and can be caused by:

The majority of sinus infections are viral in nature, and antibiotics do not cure viral infections. Taking antibiotics for viral infections also will not:

• Keep you from being contagious to others
• Relieve symptoms or make you feel better

In order to distinguish a bacterial sinus infection from an infection caused by a virus or other contributing factor, your doctor will observe your symptoms and possibly conduct other tests, such as a CT scan or cultures.

Antibiotics are only effective on bacterial infections, and even in cases involving bacteria, the body can often cure itself of mild or moderate infections within a few days.

Risk of Unnecessary Antibiotics for Sinus Infections

Taking unnecessary antibiotics for a sinus infection is not only ineffectual, but can actually be harmful to the patient. Risks of taking unneeded antibiotics include:

• Increased chance of getting an antibiotic-resistant infection at a later time
• Destruction of healthy stomach bacteria, which can allow harmful bacteria to grow
• Possible side effects, such as upset stomach, rash, or dizziness
• Allergic reaction

According to studies conducted by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), 60-70% of patients with sinus infections fully recover without the use of antibiotics. Additional research shows that almost 90% of U.S. adults diagnosed with acute sinusitis (infection lasting less than 4 weeks) are prescribed antibiotics.

This overuse of antibiotics for sinus infections, as well as other conditions, can lead to antibiotic resistance, a state in which bacteria change over time as a reaction to antibiotic treatment, in order to survive and multiply, thus making the antibiotics less effective.

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance has become a major healthcare concern in recent years. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics are the primary causes of drug-resistant bacteria. Infections which were once easily treated with antibiotics are becoming more difficult to cure due to antibiotic resistance.

Ineffective antibiotics can result in:

• Longer-lasting infections
• More severe illnesses
• Use of more expensive and stronger medications

Using antibiotics correctly and only when necessary for sinus infections will help combat antibiotic resistance and improve your overall health.

When to Use Antibiotics for Sinus Infections

If your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you may require antibiotics to get better. Typically, antibiotics are needed when:

• Sinus infection symptoms last over a week
• Symptoms worsen after starting to get better
• Sinusitis symptoms are severe (high fever, skin infection or rash, extreme pain or tenderness around the eyes or nose)

How to Treat Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics

While sinus infections caused by viruses, allergies, or other non-bacterial factors may not require antibiotics, they still cause the same symptoms which make you feel sick.

Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Cough
• Pain or tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
• Thick nasal or post-nasal drainage

Taking steps to alleviate your sinusitis symptoms is often the best treatment to lessen your discomfort.

Sinus infection treatment options include:

• Drink plenty of fluids (warm liquids will aid in loosening mucus)
• Rest, especially the first few days, to help your body fight the infection
• Moisturize the air with a cool-mist vaporizer
• Elevate your head while sleeping to decrease post-nasal drip
• Take warm showers or baths, as steam can soothe your sore throat and loosen mucus
• Gargle with warm salt water for a sore throat
• Use saline nasal spray or nasal irrigation kit (such as a neti pot) to alleviate congestion
• Use over-the-counter treatments, such as nasal drops and sprays or pseudoephedrine pills, as your doctor recommends them

What Not to Do for a Sinus Infection

You should always follow your doctor’s instructions when you are diagnosed with a sinus infection.

Do not:

• Ask for antibiotics if your doctor feels they are unnecessary
• Take antibiotics that are prescribed for someone else
• Skip doses of your antibiotics or stop taking your antibiotics early when your doctor prescribes them
• Save antibiotics for the next time you get sick

If you are experiencing symptoms of a sinus infection or are having sinus problems of any kind, please contact the Fort Worth ENT sinus specialists at The Fort Worth Sinus Center for an appointment.

A sinus infection can last anywhere from 10 days to several weeks. The length of a sinus infection usually depends on whether the cause is viral (i.e. a cold or flu) or bacterial (i.e. Streptococcus pneumonia - “strep throat” or Haemophilus influenzae).[*][*]

A sinus infection caused by a virus should start to show improvement within 3 to 5 days. Under normal conditions, sinusitis symptoms (i.e. post nasal drip, runny nose, and congestion) should clear up in about 10 days.[*]

In some cases, a sinus infection caused by a virus may contribute to the onset of a bacterial infection in the sinuses. The swelling and inflammation caused by the initial infection can create hotbeds for bacterial growth, which can lead to further complications and increased severity.

As well, seasonal allergies (hay fever), dental infections, and nasal blockages, can also contribute to the onset of a bacterial infection in the sinuses. These conditions can also lead to swelling, irritation, and obstructions that help foster bacterial growth.

If a bacterial infection sets in, symptoms will generally last longer than 10 days. In severe cases, especially if left untreated, bacterial sinus infections can endure for weeks. However, if the bacterial infection is diagnosed and treated in time, symptoms should start clearing up within a few days.

Sinus infections are typically separated into 3 types roughly based on the length, severity, and cause of the symptoms.

What Happens If You Let A Sinus Infection Go Untreated?

A sinus infection that is left untreated can not only make life miserable it may develop into chronic sinusitis. If an infection isn’t cared for properly, it could also result in some potentially serious complications. These types of issues are rare but they can occur:

• Sinus infections, if left untreated, can spread to the eyes, often causing redness, irritation, and/or swelling. In more severe cases, they can even cause reduced, blurry, or complete loss of vision.[*]
• Severe sinusitis may need to be treated with antibiotics administered through an IV.[*]
• A CT scan may be required to determine the seriousness of the infection.
• In very rare cases, brain abscesses or meningitis may result from a severe and untreated sinus infection.[*]

How Do You Treat A Sinus Infection?

If you suspect you have a sinus infection, you should see a medical professional in order to get advice on proper treatment. In most cases, antibiotics are not necessary. However, if your sinus infection is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe medications. You can also try some of these home care techniques to help relieve discomfort and congestion:

• Hot showers or stream treatments, especially before bed, may help open up your sinuses and allow you to breathe better.
• Using a nasal nebulizer with a saline moisturizer to clear out congestion and soothe irritated areas.
• Ask a pharmacist or a healthcare professional about over-the-counter medications and treatments to relieve pain and other symptoms
• Get plenty of rest and drink warm fluids to reduce post nasal drip.

When To See A Doctor For A Sinus Infection?

Consult a physician if you experience any of the following:

• See your doctor if there is no improvement after 48 to 72 hours as this could indicate a more serious problem.
• See your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: fever, severe headache, confusion, stiff neck, changes in your vision, and/or swelling around the eyes or forehead, as these could be signs of a more serious infection.
• Remember to record and report your symptoms and their duration to assist your doctor in creating your care plan.