A 26-year-old female asked:
when can a simple sinus infection become something worse? took bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) for 7 days, now excruciating headaches and awful smell in my nose.
4 doctor answers

Dr. John McMahan answered
48 years experience ENT and Head and Neck Surgery
Sinus Infection: Sinus infections are not always "simple". Causes can be a combination of bacteria, allergies, viruses, deviated septums, gerd, broken noses, polyps, tumors, foreign bodies, fungal infections, dental abscesses or fractures, hypothyroidism, lupus, sarcoidosis, diabetes and parasites. For more information see our website www.Nwnasalsinus.Com.
Answered on Mar 26, 2013

Dr. Ziad Akl answered
31 years experience Infectious Disease
Decongestant: It is important to open the nasal passages so that pus cones out. Use a nasal decongestant.
Answered on Oct 23, 2017

Dr. John McMahan answered
48 years experience ENT and Head and Neck Surgery
Decongestants : Nasal decongestants can be quite addicting and can make things worse in some cases. See an ENT doc if your symptoms persist for a definitive diagnosis.
Answered on Sep 28, 2016

Dr. Joseph Campanelli answered
29 years experience Facial Plastic Surgery
Smell concerning: The symptoms you describe are almost always the sign of something serious, especially after just completing a course of antibiotics. Consult an ENT for a thorough evaluation.
Answered on Jun 10, 2014
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