Antibiotic therapy for sinusitis

synonym

(Antibiotic therapy for) maxillary sinusitis

introduction

Under the term "Maxillary sinus infection“(Lat. Maxillary sinusitis) one understands in dental terminology the spread of inflammatory processes in the area of Sinuses of Upper jaw. In addition to the acute form of the maxillary sinus infection, the inflammatory processes can also take a chronic course.
Almost every form of maxillary sinus infection needs to be with one antibiotic be treated. In most cases, such antritis occurs as a result of a long-lasting Respiratory infection (especially with to cough and sniff) on.

In the course of the long-lasting irritation of the nasal mucous membranes, the affected patients develop swelling of the mucous membranes and narrowing of the drainage pathways for nasal secretions. As a result, there is a risk that bacteria and other pathogens directly from the nose migrate into the paranasal sinuses, multiply there and trigger inflammatory processes through their excretions. In addition, a general outflow disorder of the nasal secretions (purely anatomical in nature), due to narrowing of the drainage channels, and thus contribute to the development of an maxillary sinus infection.

Antibiotic therapy

In addition to these typical causes, mostly through the gift of a Antibiotic are to be treated alone, the reasons can be one Maxillary sinus infection but also be of a different nature.
In such cases, in addition to treatment with a antibiotic further therapeutic measures are initiated.

Since the Maxillary sinus is in close proximity to the oral cavity and the long roots of the upper jaw- Molars (lat. Molars) extend into the maxillary sinus in many patients, pathological processes in the area of ​​the teeth can also be the cause of antritis. Especially in the course of carious defects or one Inflammation of the tip of the tooth root Pathogens that cause disease, especially bacteria, can move directly from the oral cavity to the maxillary sinus, multiply there undisturbed and ultimately attack their sensitive tissue.

In most cases, the result is an inflammation of the maxillary sinus that is accentuated on one side, but it can also spread to both sides of the maxillary sinus. Furthermore, there may be causes that lead to the development of an maxillary sinus infection through dental treatment itself. In medical terminology, such cases are referred to as so-called iatrogenic causes. In this regard, put above all Extractions (the Pulling a tooth) of molars of the upper jaw pose a great risk of an opening of the maxillary sinus.
This is also due to the sometimes enormous length of the tooth roots of the maxillary molars. If the opening of the maxillary sinus is not discovered by the attending dentist, an artificially established, direct connection between the strongly bacterial one persists Oral cavity and the Maxillary sinus.
As a result, pathogens, especially bacteria, can migrate into the maxillary sinus, multiply there unhindered and damage the tissue in the long term.
In order to prevent a strong reaction of the organism, the affected patient is usually given a Antibiotic treated. In addition, the artificially created connection between the oral and maxillary sinuses must be closed. In most cases the dentist succeeds in doing this by covering with the patient's own gum flap. In the case of extensive openings, an artificial covering material may have to be used.

Both taking the antibiotic and the closure of the maxillary sinus are among the urgently needed treatment measures in the course of an maxillary sinus opening. If one of these therapeutic measures is neglected, the inflammatory processes can also spread to the rest of the paranasal sinuses. Patients with antritis of the maxillary sinus have various symptoms.

In those forms that can be traced back to a bacterial or viral infection, a runny nose or at least a significant increase in the emergence of nasal secretions usually occurs. Infectious maxillary sinus infections can be treated by taking an antibiotic for 5-7 days. Most patients also describe a strong feeling of pressure in the upper cheek and forehead region. These symptoms are due to the increased pressure within the maxillary sinus and usually decrease again shortly after the antibiotic has been started. In most cases, a so-called broad-spectrum or broad-spectrum antibiotic, which acts against a large number of bacterial pathogens, is prescribed to treat antritis. The dose prescribed by the doctor should under no circumstances be exceeded or fallen short of without authorization, as otherwise it cannot fully develop its effect.

It is also important to ensure that the duration of the antibiotic intake is not shortened without authorization. The danger of developing resistance (Insensitivity emergence) of the bacterial strains can otherwise be increased. The patient may experience side effects such as diarrhea and / or vomiting during treatment with the antibiotic. If you have any concerns about such undesirable drug effects, you must urgently consult your dentist.

How long do you have to take an antibiotic?

The antibiotic must be used depending on which preparation was chosen for the treatment of maxillary sinus inflammation be taken continuously over a certain period of time. Usually it is 5-10 days. It is extremely important to adhere to the prescribed duration of use. Even with improvements or even complete freedom from symptoms, the antibiotic should definitely be taken until the end. Because even if the symptoms are no longer visible or noticeable, there may still be pathogens in the body. Stopping antibiotic therapy could lead to the germs growing up. Therefore, the period of intake of the antibiotics must be strictly observed.

What do you do if the antibiotic does not work / does not help?

If you notice that the antibiotic that your doctor has prescribed is not helping, you should see your doctor again. You shouldn't stop taking the antibiotic on your own or take another one if you have one on hand, as this will do Antibiotic resistance can arise. The disease can also worsen or even lead to complications. The doctor should now review the use of antibiotics.
If it is stated in the room that an allergy is the reason why the antibiotic is not working, a special anamnesis and a Allergy test be performed.
A sample should also be taken of the fluid found in the inflamed area. The laboratory can then clarify whether it is a virus or bacteria. If it is a bacterial inflammation, you can use the exact pathogen to choose the right antibiotic that can target the type of bacteria, as not every antibiotic is effective against every bacterium.
A X-ray image or one Computed tomography image can also be made to determine the exact location and size of the inflamed area.
Finally, it should be discussed with the doctor which changes are made in the therapy.
If the maxillary sinus infection is caused by an allergy, unfortunately no antibiotic will help. Here can be temporarily for example cortisone are used. In rare cases, a fungus such as Aspergillus can also be the cause of antritis. Help here Antifungal drugs. These are special remedies against fungi. Examples are caspofungin, amphotericin B, fluctyosin or variconazole.
In the case of a viral infection, only pain and anti - inflammatory drugs can be used. Antibiotics unfortunately do not help here either.