Antibiotics vs. Placebos for Sinus Infection Treatment
Are Placebos Just as Effective as Antibiotics for Sinus Infections?
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat sinus infections, but a new study indicates that they work no better than a placebo. The study also showed that by prescribing antibiotics, potential harm can be caused because the patients develop a resistance to the medications.
The study followed approximately 200 patients with sinusitis. Of the 100 who received the antibiotic, 29% of them had symptoms that lasted for 10 days or more. Another 107 patients received a placebo and 34% had the same experience as the 100 who received antibiotics. Statistically, the difference between the two groups was insignificant.
The effectiveness of a nasal steroid spray was also tested on sinusitis patients. The results were similar to the antibiotic study where it was found that the placebo was just as effective as the spray except in patients that had milder symptoms where the spray was found to be just slightly beneficial.
A common sense approach to alleviating the symptoms of sinusitis is reducing the amounts of sugar and processed foods that you are consuming while suffering with sinus problems. Also, if possible, minimize your exposure to the allergens during that time. Another simple thing you can do that can have a dramatic impact is to take hot showers frequently when suffering with a sinus infection. While in the shower, tap on your facial bones gently to help loosen and hopefully drain the sinus fluid. The heat from the shower will help to loosen up the sinuses as well.
Antibiotics vs. Placebos for Sinus Infection Treatment
Are Placebos Just as Effective as Antibiotics for Sinus Infections?
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat sinus infections, but a new study indicates that they work no better than a placebo. The study also showed that by prescribing antibiotics, potential harm can be caused because the patients develop a resistance to the medications.
The study followed approximately 200 patients with sinusitis. Of the 100 who received the antibiotic, 29% of them had symptoms that lasted for 10 days or more. Another 107 patients received a placebo and 34% had the same experience as the 100 who received antibiotics. Statistically, the difference between the two groups was insignificant.
The effectiveness of a nasal steroid spray was also tested on sinusitis patients. The results were similar to the antibiotic study where it was found that the placebo was just as effective as the spray except in patients that had milder symptoms where the spray was found to be just slightly beneficial.
A common sense approach to alleviating the symptoms of sinusitis is reducing the amounts of sugar and processed foods that you are consuming while suffering with sinus problems. Also, if possible, minimize your exposure to the allergens during that time. Another simple thing you can do that can have a dramatic impact is to take hot showers frequently when suffering with a sinus infection. While in the shower, tap on your facial bones gently to help loosen and hopefully drain the sinus fluid. The heat from the shower will help to loosen up the sinuses as well.