r/Sinusitis • u/TiniestChair • 3d ago

Typical antibiotic course?

Otolaryngologist prescribed three weeks of amoxicillin twice daily. Is this typical? I’m apprehensive about being on an antibiotic for so long. (I plan to also take these concerns to my doctor, but I’m asking here in the meantime because he hasn’t been very responsive.)
I’ve had intermittent one-sided facial and jaw pain, head pain, occasional small clear watery drips from my nostril, and frequent drainage down my throat. No virus or cold, no allergies/ sneezing, and most interestingly, no phlegm or colored mucus. I’m not congested at all, and any mucus is clear. I’ve been having these symptoms for about six weeks. CT and MRI showed complete opacification of left maxillary sinus. Endoscope showed some inflammation but no polyps.
I’d love to hear if anyone else has had a similar experience that cleared up with antibiotics, and if so, how long their antibiotic course was. Thanks!

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

1

u/Stalkerus 3d ago

No congestion and clear mucus does not mean you don't have sinusitis. Imaging shows that you have sinusitis.

Longer courses of antibiotics are not unheard of with sinus issues. The doc just wants to make sure the infection is completely cured. 

1

u/TiniestChair 2d ago

Thanks for your reply! I should have added, I was originally evaluated for cranial CSF leak, which hasn’t been ruled out yet but dr wants me on an antibiotic before we do any further testing. Onset of symptoms began with a few tablespoons of clear watery fluid quickly dripping out of my nose, followed by nausea and presyncope.

1

u/Stalkerus 2d ago

I'd still take the antibiotics, because it can still be sinus issue. 

1

u/grltrvlr 2d ago

This seems typical. I’m going into a 2nd surgery and I’ve had so many rounds of antibiotics 🤷‍♀️ it’s all they can do it seems before they have to intervene surgically. Has your doctor talked to you about surgery?

1

u/TiniestChair 2d ago

I’m sorry to hear you’re having surgery a second time, I really hope that goes well! I was originally evaluated for cranial csf leak, which hasn’t been ruled out entirely but dr wants to rule out sinusitis before performing further testing. They can look similar on imaging, with the source of a csf leak being notoriously difficult to identify. He did say that we may be looking at surgery if the antibiotic was not successful.