Why Do I Have Unilateral Pressure In The Face And Blurring Of Vision Despite Taking Augmentin For Sinusitis?

Posted on Thu, 5 Apr 2018

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

Thu, 5 Apr 2018 Answered on

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello...Four days ago I was diagnosed by my doctor with a sinus infection and was prescribed augmentin, twice daily for seven days. I am also taking Claritin and Flonase nasal spray. I am still experiencing a lot of pressure in my head, particularly on the left side of my face. I have pressure still in my ear and my upper row of teeth on that side throb sporadically (I’ve had dental X-rays in the past and the roots of my teeth are basically touching my sinus cavity). I also have some discomfort and a small amount of blurry vision in my left eye. These symptoms started about seven days ago, and as I said, I am about halfway through my course of augmentin treatment.

Do you feel that the antibiotic appears to be working, or do you think I should follow up again with my doctor for perhaps a different one?

Thank you so much for your time and expertise!

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding acute sinusitis

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The blurring of vision and heaviness are mostly suggestive of acute infection.

The pressure in the ears is due to eustachian tube blockage caused by nasal congestion.

Please get an X-ray paranasal sinuses done and send me the reports/films for further evaluation.

If the symptoms don't seem to be getting better after a week of oral antibiotics, my advice would be to visit an Ent specialist immediately and get intravenous antibiotics.

Acute sinusitis infection, if not treated timely can lead to several complications.

Please continue with the nasal spray.

Sinusitis usually needs to be operated. It would be better to suggest you further only once I get to see the x-ray or CT scan.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal, ENT Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee