Sinus infections are common this time of year and doctors often prescribe antibiotics to help adults get better. But a new study finds that in most cases- antibiotics are not necessary.
Taking an antibiotic for a sinus infection often may not be the best treatment, according to research in this week's journal of the American Medical Association. Most patients on antibiotics did not get better any faster than those not treated with these drugs.
Washington University researchers followed 166 otherwise healthy adults, suffering from sinus infections. Half were prescribed a standard antibiotic, while the other patients took a sugar pill or placebo. Both groups also took over-the-counter medicines for pain, cough and congestion.
After 10 days of treatment, 80 percent of the patients in both groups said they felt better. One of every five antibiotic prescriptions in the United States goes to patients with sinus infections.
The study authors encourage doctors to engage in "watchful waiting" with their sinus patients before prescribing antibiotics. Though most of us will get better without them, experts say that after seven days if you are still feeling lousy, have a fever of 101 or higher or have recurrent infections, it may be time for your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic.
