Do Puffy Eyes, Congestion And Fatigue Indicate Sinus Infection?

Posted on Sun, 22 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 Answered on

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : another sinus infection?
I have very puffy eyes
feel congestion in head and nasal cavities
fatigue
my md probably wont prescribe antibiotics
thinking of going to an urgent care center to be treated today
I just know I need a zpak or maybe levaquin
any thoughts

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Antibiotics are not always required.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern.
See, You seem to be suffering from chronic sinusitis.
You don't need Antibiotics every time.
I advise following in Acute Sinus infections:
1. To take antibiotic like Azithromycin.
2. To take anti allergic like Levocetrizine.
3. To do steam inhalation at least 3-4 times a day.
4. Paracetamol helps in reducing fever and pain.
Once the Acute attack settles you should continue anti allergic for 2 weeks and should continue steam inhalation indefinitely.
In resistant cases of sinusitis we advise to take Fluticasone nasal spray for a short period.
I hope it helps.
If you have any further query, please ask me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T