What Causes Recurrent Sinus Infection?

Posted on Sat, 28 Jun 2014

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

Sat, 28 Jun 2014 Answered on

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed 12 days ago with a sinus infection . I had already been sick for 4 weeks when I saw the doctor . He prescribed Bactrim DS twice a day for 7 days. It has been 4 days since I finished the medication and I am sick again . Could this be a virus ?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Sinusitis may take a few few weeks to heal. A nasal endoscopy, a nasal swab (to check for bacterial, fungal infections) and a change of antibiotic may help. If no pathogenic bacteria or fungi are found, then it is either a resolving infection or a viral infection.

2. A Sinus CT is the gold standard investigation for sinusitis if you have recurrent attacks or if recovery is delayed.

3. Supportive medication such as anti-allergic mucolytics, anti-inflammatory medication, decongestants and regular steam inhalation are equally important to open up blocked sinuses. Duration of therapy should be longer than a week along with rest and hydration.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar