Suggest alternate to antibiotic to cure sinus congestion and breathing problem
Patient: Hi, I had been suffering from sinus in the past and taken medicines for the same. This time again I am feeling the same ..  blocked nose, difficulty in breathing and phlegm,  headache , swelling and pain in eyes . Multiple episodes of sinus results into antibiotic everytime.. Is there any alternate to antibiotic for my problem.. please guide.. Doctor: Hello,Thank you for asking at HCM.I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:1. First of all, it is important to know the cause of the sinusitis. Causes can be allergic or mechanical obstruction (like deviated septum of the nose, etc).2. I would suggest you to consult an ENT surgeon who will examine the nose from inside and may identify any such physical cause of sinusitis. He may suggest you investigations like CT scan of sinuses. He may also identify clues to other causes of sinusitis like allergies by examining the nose from inside.3. I usually suggest my such patients allergy testing which helps to identify the substances causing allergies.4. Intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines like cetirizine, nasal decongestants, oral corticosteroids, etc are drugs other than antibiotics which are used to treat sinusitis. But these can be suggested only after thorough evaluation of your sinuses.5. Simple measures like regular steam inhalation and nose irrigation with saline are also very helpful.6. In general, I would suggest you to take plenty of warm fluids during day and also to avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution as much as possible.Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.Wish you the best of the health ahead.Thank you & Regards.