Managing Subacute Sinusitis with Antibiotics

An inflammation of the sinuses that developed from acute sinusitis, subacute sinusitis has symptoms that persist for as long as 4 weeks, but no more than 8 weeks. Otherwise, it is classified as acute (for less than 4 weeks) or chronic (for more than 8 weeks).

Clinically, subacute sinusitis produces symptoms that are nearly identical with those commonly associated with the other types of sinusitis. Nevertheless, it may warrant treatments that are distinct from those administered with chronic and acute sinus infections. Subacute sinusitis symptoms resolve completely usually by medical intervention, particularly with antibiotics therapy. Decongestants also prove to be very effective in alleviating the its symptoms.

Antibiotics for Subacute Sinusitis
Antibiotic therapy is a type of therapy that requires the administration of antibiotics. Because of the range of antibiotics available in the market today, administration may be anything from orally ingesting the medication to intravenous management.

A new method that has emerged as a good alternative to the conventional means of delivering antibiotic into the bloodstream is the nebulizer. Much like the tool being used in asthma treatment, antibiotic nebulizer delivers the medication in mist form directly into the infected and inflamed tissues. According to current studies, this method provides much faster, longer relief from the symptoms of sinus infections when compared to oral and intravenous antibiotics.

There are at least four variants of antibiotics for sinusitis treatment – Penicillin, Cephalosporin, Macrolides, and Fluoroquinolones. While all these are potent in completely destroying or inhibiting the activities of the sinusitis-causing bacteria they target, Penicillin often proves to be sufficient in treating subacute sinusitis.

Penicillin
Amoxicillin, a type of Penicillin, is often the first line of defense against the bacteria that are causing the symptoms of sinusitis. It is a narrow-spectrum drug that kills bacteria by destroying them. This particular type of antibiotic inhibits the cell wall building functions of the bacteria. This property is very efficient in ending the infection altogether as it destroys the bacteria in the process.

Macrolides
Another narrow-spectrum antibiotic, Macrolides is an antibiotic that does not kill the bacteria. Instead, it prevents the microorganism from producing new proteins and from proliferating. However, when used in high dosage, Macrolides can destroy bacteria as well.

When compared to Penicillin, Macrolides present lesser side-effects. When looking to treat your sinus infection with Macrolides, search for Clarithromycin and Erythromycin. The former is the preferred treatment for sinus infection; it is recommended by ENT specialists.

Cephalosporin
If you are allergic to Amoxicillin and other variants of Penicillin, you will find comfort in knowing that Cephalosporin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has very little chance of triggering allergic reactions. Like Macrolides, Cephalosporin works by inhibiting bacteria from creating cell walls. This particular antibiotic is often called for when stronger than average dosage is needed.

Fluoroquinolones
A new type of antibiotics, Fluoroquinolones is a broad-spectrum drug that interferes with the DNA replication capability of bacteria. There are plenty of Fluoroquinolones available in the market nowadays, but Moxifloxacin is best known for managing the symptoms of sinus infection.

A quick word on using antibiotics for subacute sinusitis: Always follow your doctor's prescription. Do NOT overuse or underuse the antibiotics that you have been prescribed, as doing so could lessen the efficacy of the antibiotics against the bacteria they are targeting.