A member asked:

I have a sinus infection and have had it for about 2weeks. do i need to get an antibiotic or is there something over the counter i can take/do?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Anuj Malik answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Allergies / viral: Most sinusitis is either allergic or viral. In both cases, initial symptoms can include congestion, runny nose and sinus pain. Usually, viral sinusitis resolves within a week. It may be followed by an episode of bacterial sinusitis and if you have symptoms improve initially and then worsen again, you may have bacterial sinusitis for which a short course of 5 days of antibiotics may be appropriate.

Answered 1/3/2016

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Dr. Scott Grover answered

Specializes in Surgery

Decongestant: A sinus infection would require antibiotics. If you have a viral infection like a cold or are just stuffed up (congested), an OTC decongestant should be all that is needed. Some sinus problems start as simple then become infected and require antibiotics

Answered 9/17/2015

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Related Questions

A member asked:

Can you take over the counter medicine for sinus infection?

A doctor has provided 1 answer