what is the usual course of treatment for a sinus abscess?

• Antibiotics. Antibiotics are sometimes necessary for sinusitis if your infection is caused by bacteria. ...
• Immunotherapy. If allergies are contributing to your sinusitis, allergy shots (immunotherapy) that help reduce the body's reaction to specific allergens might improve the condition.
• Surgery. The upper left illustration shows the frontal (A) and maxillary (B) sinuses, as well as the ostiomeatal complex (C).

How to get rid of sinus infection?

These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms: 1 Rest. This will help your body fight inflammation and speed recovery. 2 Drink fluids, such as water or juice... 3 Moisturize your sinus cavities... 4 Apply warm compresses to your face... 5 Rinse out your nasal passages... 6 ... (more items)

Are antibiotics needed to treat acute sinusitis?

Antibiotics usually aren't needed to treat acute sinusitis, because it's usually caused by a virus and not by bacteria. Even if your acute sinusitis is bacterial, it may clear up without treatment. Your doctor might wait and watch to see if your acute sinusitis worsens before prescribing antibiotics.

What is an abscess in the nose?

An abscess is a bacterial infection that forms a pocket of pus. You can get an abscess in your nose after an injury, such as a blow to the face.

What is the goal of treating chronic sinusitis?

The goal of treating chronic sinusitis is to: Reduce sinus inflammation. Keep your nasal passages draining. Eliminate the underlying cause. Reduce the number of sinusitis flare-ups.

How long is a course of antibiotics for sinusitis?

More than two-thirds of antibiotic courses and 91% of nonazithromycin antibiotic courses prescribed for the treatment of acute sinusitis in adults were 10 days or longer, even though the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends 5 to 7 days of therapy for uncomplicated cases.

How serious is a sinus abscess?

Infection spreading to the eyes is the most common complication. This could cause redness, swelling, and even blindness in a severe state called cavernous sinus thrombosis. Sinus infections can also spread to the rear center of one's head causing life-threatening ailments such as brain abscess.

How long does it take for a nasal abscess to heal?

After the first 2 days, drainage from the abscess should be minimal to none. All sores should heal in 10-14 days.

How do you treat a sinus abscess?

You will need antibiotics. In some cases, your abscess will be drained through a needle or small cut. You will need to follow up with your doctor to make sure the infection has gone away. You may have had a sedative to help you relax.

How do you know if sinus infection has spread to the brain?

Headaches, fever, and a stiff neck are potential symptoms of meningitis. This is a medical emergency. Encephalitis: This results when the infection spreads to your brain tissue. Encephalitis may not have obvious symptoms beyond a headache, fever, or weakness.

Why won't my sinus infection go away with antibiotics?

Why Won't My Sinus Infection Go Away with Antibiotics? There are few reasons that antibiotics may be ineffective for sinusitis. Antibiotics are only capable of killing bacteria, so inflammation from other sources can't be managed by them. Sinusitis is often a result of a viral infection like a cold or the flu.

What is the strongest antibiotic for abscess?

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim (Cotrimoxazole) for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Including Impetigo, Cellulitis, and Abscess.

Can abscess go away without draining?

A small skin abscess may drain naturally, or simply shrink, dry up and disappear without any treatment. However, larger abscesses may need to be treated with antibiotics to clear the infection, and the pus may need to be drained.

How long do antibiotics take to work on an abscess?

Although you might not notice it right away, antibiotics begin working as soon as you start taking them. Usually, within 2-3 days, you'll start feeling better and see an improvement in the infection. On average, a full course of antibiotics takes 7 to 14 days to complete depending on the type used.

How do you know when an abscess is healing?

Signs of InfectionWarmth. Often, right at the beginning of the healing process, your wound feels warm. ... Redness. The area may be swollen, sore, and red in color right after you've sustained your injury. ... Discharge. After the initial discharge of a bit of pus and blood, your wound should be clear. ... Pain. ... Fever.

Can a sinus infection last for months?

With chronic sinusitis, the tissues inside your sinuses become inflamed and blocked for a long period of time due to swelling and mucus buildup. Acute sinusitis only happens for a short time (usually a week), but chronic sinusitis can last for months. Sinusitis is considered chronic after at least 12 weeks of symptoms.

What does a nasal abscess feel like?

a pimple-like bump inside your nostril. small bumps around the hair follicles inside your nostril (folliculitis) crusting in or around your nostril. pain and tenderness in your nose.

How to get rid of sinus infection?

Moisten your sinus cavities. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of hot water. Keep the vapor directed toward your face. Or take a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air. This will help ease pain and help mucus drain.

How to treat sinusitis?

Treatments to relieve symptoms. Your doctor may recommend treatments to help relieve sinusitis symptoms, including: Saline nasal spray, which you spray into your nose several times a day to rinse your nasal passages. Nasal corticosteroids . These nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation.

How to get rid of sinuses?

This will help ease pain and help mucus drain. Rinse your nasal passages. Use a specially designed squeeze bottle (Sinus Rinse, others) or neti pot. This home remedy, called nasal lavage, can help clear your sinuses.

What is the best way to check sinuses?

A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a fiber-optic light inserted through your nose allows your doctor to visually inspect the inside of your sinuses. Imaging studies. A CT scan shows details of your sinuses and nasal area. It's not usually recommended for uncomplicated acute sinusitis, but imaging studies might help find abnormalities ...

What is the best treatment for sinusitis?

It's been suggested that products containing certain combinations of herbs may be of some help. These combination therapies contain cowslip, gentian root, elderflower, verbena and sorrel.

Can you get a sinus test for sinusitis?

Nasal and sinus samples. Laboratory tests aren't generally necessary for diagnosing acute sinusitis. However, when the condition fails to respond to treatment or is worsening, tissue samples (cultures) from your nose or sinuses might help find the cause, such as a bacterial infection. Allergy testing. If your doctor suspects that allergies have ...

Can you take aspirin with chickenpox?

Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin.

What is the most common sinus infection?

Acute bacterial sinusitis is a common community-acquired infection defined as inflammation of one or more paranasal sinuses, most often the maxillary sinus. It is estimated that 0.5-5% of colds are complicated by acute sinusitis.

What causes sinusitis in the upper respiratory tract?

Up to 1 in 20 upper respiratory tract infections is complicated by bacterial sinusitis, most often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus aureus.

How long does it take for antibiotics to work?

Accumulating evidence suggests that short-course (< or =5 days) antibiotic therapy may have equivalent or superior efficacy compared with traditional longer (10-14 days) therapies and offers a number of advantages.

Can antibiotics cause sinus thrombosis?

Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy, in combination with agents that relieve nasal congestion, are important factors in preventing suppurative complications. Left untreated, it could lead to the development of chronic sinusitis or epidural or subdural empyema, brain abscess, or cavernosus sinus thro mbosis.

What is the best treatment for sinusitis?

Treatments for chronic sinusitis include: Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation. Examples include fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone and beclomethasone. If the sprays aren't effective enough, your doctor might recommend rinsing with a solution of saline mixed with drops ...

How to help sinuses heal faster?

Moisturize your sinuses. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of medium-hot water. Keep the vapor directed toward your face.

What test to do if you have sinusitis?

An allergy test. If your doctor suspects that allergies might be triggering your chronic sinusitis, he or she might recommend an allergy skin test. A skin test is safe and quick and can help detect what allergen is responsible for your nasal flare-ups. Samples from your nasal and sinus discharge (cultures). Cultures are generally unnecessary ...

How to diagnose sinusitis?

Methods for diagnosing chronic sinusitis include: Imaging tests. Images taken using CT or MRI can show details of your sinuses and nasal area. These might pinpoint a deep inflammation or physical obstruction that's difficult to detect using an endoscope. Looking into your sinuses.

What to do if nasal spray isn't effective?

If the sprays aren't effective enough, your doctor might recommend rinsing with a solution of saline mixed with drops of budesonide or using a nasal mist of the solution. Saline nasal irrigation, with nasal sprays or solutions, reduces drainage and rinses away irritants and allergies. Oral or injected corticosteroids.

Can corticosteroids cause sinusitis?

Aspirin desensitization treatment, if you have reactions to aspirin that cause sinusitis. Under medical supervision, you're gradually given larger doses of aspirin to increase your tolerance.

Can antibiotics help with sinusitis?

Antibiotics. Antibiotics are sometimes necessary for sinusitis if you have a bacterial infection. If your doctor can't rule out an underlying infection, he or she might recommend an antibiotic, sometimes with other medications.

How to treat a nose abscess?

Follow your doctor's instructions for care of your nose, especially if your abscess was drained through a needle or small tube. Do not smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke. Smoking can make your condition worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines.

What is an abscess in the nose?

An abscess is a bacterial infection that forms a pocket of pus. You can get an abscess in your nose after an injury, such as a blow to the face. A nasal abscess also may develop if you have had a sinus infection (sinusitis).

Can you breathe through your nose with an abscess?

You may find it hard to breath e through the side of your nose with the abscess. You may have a fever and your nose may hurt. Your doctor will look at your nose and may do tests to find out what is causing your symptoms. You will need antibiotics.

How long before dental procedure can you take n-prophylaxis?

AHA recommendations:#N#Children:#N#-Immediate-release: 50 mg/kg orally as a single dose 30 to 60 minutes prior to procedure; maximum of 2 g/dose#N#Comments:#N#-Prophylaxis should be used for patients at high risk of adverse outcomes from endocarditis with underlying cardiac conditions who undergo any dental procedure that involves manipulation of gingival tissue or periapical region of a tooth and for those procedures that perforate oral mucosa.#N#-Prophylaxis should also be used for patients at high risk of adverse outcomes from endocarditis who undergo invasive respiratory tract procedures.#N#-Current guidelines should be consulted for additional information.

How long should you wait to treat a strep pyogenes infection?

Comments: -Treatment should be continued for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours beyond the time the patient becomes asymptomatic or evidence of bacterial eradication occurs. -At least 10 days of treatment for any infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes is recommended to prevent the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever.

Usual Adult Dose for Amebiasis

ORAL: Erythromycin Base (Base) or Erythromycin Stearate (Stearate): Mild to moderate infections: 250 mg orally every 6 hours, 333 mg orally every 8 hours, OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours Severe infections: 1 gram orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate (Ethylsuccinate): 400 mg orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: Up to 4 grams/day PARENTERAL: Erythromycin Lactobionate (Lactobionate): 15 to 20 mg/kg IV per day via intermittent IV infusion over 20 to 60 minutes no more than every 6 hours or via slow continuous IV infusion -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Duration of therapy: -Intestinal amebiasis: 10 to 14 days -Streptococcal infections: At least 10 days Comments: -This drug should be taken approximately 1 hour prior to meals. -Higher doses may be increased (up to 4 grams/day), depending on the severity of the infection. -Ethylsuccinate formulations doses may be given every 12 hours in 2 divided doses OR every 8 hours in 3 divided doses if desired. -Many strains of Haemophilus influenzae are not susceptible to concentrations of this drug typically achieved by dosing; concomitant dosing with sulfonamides should be used in patients with upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae. -Resistant staphylococcal skin infections may reemerge with treatment. -Patients with extrahepatic amebiasis should be given treatment with other antibiotics. -Parenteral formulations should be replaced by oral formulations as soon as possible. Uses: -As an adjunct to antitoxin to prevent the establishment of carriers and to eradicate the organism in carriers of diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae -Treatment of erythrasma due to Corynebacterium minutissimum -Treatment of listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae) or Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci [GAS]) -Treatment of mild to moderate skin and structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or S pyogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae (when used concomitantly with adequate doses of sulfonamides), S pneumoniae (D pneumoniae), or S pyogenes (GAS) -Treatment of respiratory tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae -Oral formulations: Treatment of intestinal amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica.

Usual Adult Dose for Campylobacter Gastroenteritis

ORAL: Erythromycin Base (Base) or Erythromycin Stearate (Stearate): Mild to moderate infections: 250 mg orally every 6 hours, 333 mg orally every 8 hours, OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours Severe infections: 1 gram orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate (Ethylsuccinate): 400 mg orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: Up to 4 grams/day PARENTERAL: Erythromycin Lactobionate (Lactobionate): 15 to 20 mg/kg IV per day via intermittent IV infusion over 20 to 60 minutes no more than every 6 hours or via slow continuous IV infusion -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Duration of therapy: -Intestinal amebiasis: 10 to 14 days -Streptococcal infections: At least 10 days Comments: -This drug should be taken approximately 1 hour prior to meals. -Higher doses may be increased (up to 4 grams/day), depending on the severity of the infection. -Ethylsuccinate formulations doses may be given every 12 hours in 2 divided doses OR every 8 hours in 3 divided doses if desired. -Many strains of Haemophilus influenzae are not susceptible to concentrations of this drug typically achieved by dosing; concomitant dosing with sulfonamides should be used in patients with upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae. -Resistant staphylococcal skin infections may reemerge with treatment. -Patients with extrahepatic amebiasis should be given treatment with other antibiotics. -Parenteral formulations should be replaced by oral formulations as soon as possible. Uses: -As an adjunct to antitoxin to prevent the establishment of carriers and to eradicate the organism in carriers of diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae -Treatment of erythrasma due to Corynebacterium minutissimum -Treatment of listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae) or Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci [GAS]) -Treatment of mild to moderate skin and structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or S pyogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae (when used concomitantly with adequate doses of sulfonamides), S pneumoniae (D pneumoniae), or S pyogenes (GAS) -Treatment of respiratory tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae -Oral formulations: Treatment of intestinal amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica.

Usual Adult Dose for Mycoplasma Pneumonia

ORAL: Erythromycin Base (Base) or Erythromycin Stearate (Stearate): Mild to moderate infections: 250 mg orally every 6 hours, 333 mg orally every 8 hours, OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours Severe infections: 1 gram orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate (Ethylsuccinate): 400 mg orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: Up to 4 grams/day PARENTERAL: Erythromycin Lactobionate (Lactobionate): 15 to 20 mg/kg IV per day via intermittent IV infusion over 20 to 60 minutes no more than every 6 hours or via slow continuous IV infusion -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Duration of therapy: -Intestinal amebiasis: 10 to 14 days -Streptococcal infections: At least 10 days Comments: -This drug should be taken approximately 1 hour prior to meals. -Higher doses may be increased (up to 4 grams/day), depending on the severity of the infection. -Ethylsuccinate formulations doses may be given every 12 hours in 2 divided doses OR every 8 hours in 3 divided doses if desired. -Many strains of Haemophilus influenzae are not susceptible to concentrations of this drug typically achieved by dosing; concomitant dosing with sulfonamides should be used in patients with upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae. -Resistant staphylococcal skin infections may reemerge with treatment. -Patients with extrahepatic amebiasis should be given treatment with other antibiotics. -Parenteral formulations should be replaced by oral formulations as soon as possible. Uses: -As an adjunct to antitoxin to prevent the establishment of carriers and to eradicate the organism in carriers of diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae -Treatment of erythrasma due to Corynebacterium minutissimum -Treatment of listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae) or Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci [GAS]) -Treatment of mild to moderate skin and structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or S pyogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae (when used concomitantly with adequate doses of sulfonamides), S pneumoniae (D pneumoniae), or S pyogenes (GAS) -Treatment of respiratory tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae -Oral formulations: Treatment of intestinal amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica.

Usual Adult Dose for Otitis Media

ORAL: Erythromycin Base (Base) or Erythromycin Stearate (Stearate): Mild to moderate infections: 250 mg orally every 6 hours, 333 mg orally every 8 hours, OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours Severe infections: 1 gram orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate (Ethylsuccinate): 400 mg orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: Up to 4 grams/day PARENTERAL: Erythromycin Lactobionate (Lactobionate): 15 to 20 mg/kg IV per day via intermittent IV infusion over 20 to 60 minutes no more than every 6 hours or via slow continuous IV infusion -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Duration of therapy: -Intestinal amebiasis: 10 to 14 days -Streptococcal infections: At least 10 days Comments: -This drug should be taken approximately 1 hour prior to meals. -Higher doses may be increased (up to 4 grams/day), depending on the severity of the infection. -Ethylsuccinate formulations doses may be given every 12 hours in 2 divided doses OR every 8 hours in 3 divided doses if desired. -Many strains of Haemophilus influenzae are not susceptible to concentrations of this drug typically achieved by dosing; concomitant dosing with sulfonamides should be used in patients with upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae. -Resistant staphylococcal skin infections may reemerge with treatment. -Patients with extrahepatic amebiasis should be given treatment with other antibiotics. -Parenteral formulations should be replaced by oral formulations as soon as possible. Uses: -As an adjunct to antitoxin to prevent the establishment of carriers and to eradicate the organism in carriers of diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae -Treatment of erythrasma due to Corynebacterium minutissimum -Treatment of listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae) or Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci [GAS]) -Treatment of mild to moderate skin and structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or S pyogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae (when used concomitantly with adequate doses of sulfonamides), S pneumoniae (D pneumoniae), or S pyogenes (GAS) -Treatment of respiratory tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae -Oral formulations: Treatment of intestinal amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica.

Usual Adult Dose for Pharyngitis

ORAL: Erythromycin Base (Base) or Erythromycin Stearate (Stearate): Mild to moderate infections: 250 mg orally every 6 hours, 333 mg orally every 8 hours, OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours Severe infections: 1 gram orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate (Ethylsuccinate): 400 mg orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: Up to 4 grams/day PARENTERAL: Erythromycin Lactobionate (Lactobionate): 15 to 20 mg/kg IV per day via intermittent IV infusion over 20 to 60 minutes no more than every 6 hours or via slow continuous IV infusion -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Duration of therapy: -Intestinal amebiasis: 10 to 14 days -Streptococcal infections: At least 10 days Comments: -This drug should be taken approximately 1 hour prior to meals. -Higher doses may be increased (up to 4 grams/day), depending on the severity of the infection. -Ethylsuccinate formulations doses may be given every 12 hours in 2 divided doses OR every 8 hours in 3 divided doses if desired. -Many strains of Haemophilus influenzae are not susceptible to concentrations of this drug typically achieved by dosing; concomitant dosing with sulfonamides should be used in patients with upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae. -Resistant staphylococcal skin infections may reemerge with treatment. -Patients with extrahepatic amebiasis should be given treatment with other antibiotics. -Parenteral formulations should be replaced by oral formulations as soon as possible. Uses: -As an adjunct to antitoxin to prevent the establishment of carriers and to eradicate the organism in carriers of diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae -Treatment of erythrasma due to Corynebacterium minutissimum -Treatment of listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae) or Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci [GAS]) -Treatment of mild to moderate skin and structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or S pyogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae (when used concomitantly with adequate doses of sulfonamides), S pneumoniae (D pneumoniae), or S pyogenes (GAS) -Treatment of respiratory tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae -Oral formulations: Treatment of intestinal amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica.

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia

ORAL: Erythromycin Base (Base) or Erythromycin Stearate (Stearate): Mild to moderate infections: 250 mg orally every 6 hours, 333 mg orally every 8 hours, OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours Severe infections: 1 gram orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate (Ethylsuccinate): 400 mg orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: Up to 4 grams/day PARENTERAL: Erythromycin Lactobionate (Lactobionate): 15 to 20 mg/kg IV per day via intermittent IV infusion over 20 to 60 minutes no more than every 6 hours or via slow continuous IV infusion -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Duration of therapy: -Intestinal amebiasis: 10 to 14 days -Streptococcal infections: At least 10 days Comments: -This drug should be taken approximately 1 hour prior to meals. -Higher doses may be increased (up to 4 grams/day), depending on the severity of the infection. -Ethylsuccinate formulations doses may be given every 12 hours in 2 divided doses OR every 8 hours in 3 divided doses if desired. -Many strains of Haemophilus influenzae are not susceptible to concentrations of this drug typically achieved by dosing; concomitant dosing with sulfonamides should be used in patients with upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae. -Resistant staphylococcal skin infections may reemerge with treatment. -Patients with extrahepatic amebiasis should be given treatment with other antibiotics. -Parenteral formulations should be replaced by oral formulations as soon as possible. Uses: -As an adjunct to antitoxin to prevent the establishment of carriers and to eradicate the organism in carriers of diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae -Treatment of erythrasma due to Corynebacterium minutissimum -Treatment of listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae) or Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci [GAS]) -Treatment of mild to moderate skin and structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or S pyogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae (when used concomitantly with adequate doses of sulfonamides), S pneumoniae (D pneumoniae), or S pyogenes (GAS) -Treatment of respiratory tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae -Oral formulations: Treatment of intestinal amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica.

Usual Adult Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection

ORAL: Erythromycin Base (Base) or Erythromycin Stearate (Stearate): Mild to moderate infections: 250 mg orally every 6 hours, 333 mg orally every 8 hours, OR 500 mg orally every 12 hours Severe infections: 1 gram orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate (Ethylsuccinate): 400 mg orally every 6 hours -Maximum dose: Up to 4 grams/day PARENTERAL: Erythromycin Lactobionate (Lactobionate): 15 to 20 mg/kg IV per day via intermittent IV infusion over 20 to 60 minutes no more than every 6 hours or via slow continuous IV infusion -Maximum dose: 4 grams/day Duration of therapy: -Intestinal amebiasis: 10 to 14 days -Streptococcal infections: At least 10 days Comments: -This drug should be taken approximately 1 hour prior to meals. -Higher doses may be increased (up to 4 grams/day), depending on the severity of the infection. -Ethylsuccinate formulations doses may be given every 12 hours in 2 divided doses OR every 8 hours in 3 divided doses if desired. -Many strains of Haemophilus influenzae are not susceptible to concentrations of this drug typically achieved by dosing; concomitant dosing with sulfonamides should be used in patients with upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae. -Resistant staphylococcal skin infections may reemerge with treatment. -Patients with extrahepatic amebiasis should be given treatment with other antibiotics. -Parenteral formulations should be replaced by oral formulations as soon as possible. Uses: -As an adjunct to antitoxin to prevent the establishment of carriers and to eradicate the organism in carriers of diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae -Treatment of erythrasma due to Corynebacterium minutissimum -Treatment of listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae) or Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci [GAS]) -Treatment of mild to moderate skin and structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or S pyogenes -Treatment of mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections caused by H influenzae (when used concomitantly with adequate doses of sulfonamides), S pneumoniae (D pneumoniae), or S pyogenes (GAS) -Treatment of respiratory tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae -Oral formulations: Treatment of intestinal amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica.

What is the procedure for peritonsillar abscess drainage?

Exceptions include small abscesses (less than 1 cm) without muffled voice, drooling, or trismus. The main procedures include needle aspiration, incision and drainage, or immediate tonsillectomy (at time of presentation or shortly thereafter). Most studies comparing different surgical methods have found that all were equally effective for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess, and there were no statistically significant differences in patient outcomes 32). The acute surgical management of peritonsillar abscess has evolved from immediate tonsillectomy to primarily incision and drainage or needle aspiration 33). Peritonsillar aspiration is a technique well suited for family physicians with proper training. Drainage or aspiration should be performed in a setting where possible airway complications can be managed and the patient can be observed for a few hours afterward to ensure adequate oral fluid intake 34). Table 1 describes the technique for needle aspiration of a peritonsillar abscess 35). Physicians must be aware of important anatomic relationships when performing needle aspiration (Figure 4). If a physician is not comfortable aspirating the abscess, appropriate antibiotics and intravenous fluids should be administered while awaiting otolaryngology consultation.

What causes peritonsillar abscesses?

Most peritonsillar abscesses are caused by the same bacteria that cause Strep throat (group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus). Sometimes, other types of bacteria are involved. Peritonsillar abscess usually occurs as a complication of acute tonsillitis. Infectious mononucleosis can also result in abscess formation. Rarely, it may occur de novo without any prior history of a sore throat. If the infection breaks out of a tonsil and gets into the space around it, an abscess can form. Luckily, peritonsillar abscesses aren’t that common these days because doctors use antibiotics to treat tonsillitis.

What are the two tonsils?

The two palatine tonsils are the oval-shaped areas of pink tissue on each side at the back of your throat. The tonsils are formed during the last months of gestation and grow irregularly, reaching their largest size by the time a child is six to seven years of age 6). The tonsils typically begin to involute gradually at puberty, and after 65 years of age, little tonsillar tissue remains 7). Each tonsil has a number of crypts on its surface and is surrounded by a capsule between it and the adjacent constrictor muscle through which blood vessels and nerves pass.

Can tonsils be infected?

One or both tonsils become infected. The infection most often spreads to behind the tonsil. It can then spread down into the neck and chest. Swollen tissues can block the airway. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.

Can peritonsillar abscess be treated as an outpatient?

Patients with a peritonsillar abscess can be treated as outpatients, but a small percentage may require hospitalization 48). The most common reasons for admission are dehydration, inability to manage oral fluid intake, airway concerns (kissing tonsils), and failure of outpatient management 49). Other comorbid conditions that warrant inpatient management include diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive disease, chronic immunosuppressive medication use (including prolonged corticosteroid use), or signs of sepsis 50). Complication rates are higher in patients 40 years or older compared with younger patients.24,25 Hospital stays averaged two to four days for all patients 51). If the decision is made to pursue outpatient management, patients should be observed for a few hours after drainage of the abscess to ensure they can tolerate oral fluids, antibiotics, and pain medications. Patients should continue to be monitored closely, with a follow-up appointment scheduled within 24 to 36 hours.

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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms: 1. Rest.This will help your body fight infection and speed recovery. 2. Drink fluids.Continue to drink plenty of fluids. 3. Use a warm compress.A warm compress on your nose and forehead may help relieve the pressure in your sinuses. 4. Moisten your sinus cavities.Drape a towel over your hea...

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms: 1. Rest.This can help your body fight inflammation and speed recovery. 2. Moisturize your sinuses.Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of medium-hot water. Keep the vapor directed toward your face. Or take a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air to hel...

See more on mayoclinic.org

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