Study: Sinus Infections Not Helped By Antibiotics, Steroids

Just in time for runny nose season, new research
suggests routine sinus infections aren't really helped by
antibiotics and other medicine that's often prescribed.
In the British study, people suffering from facial pain and a
runny nose (with greenish or yellowish mucous) generally improved
within about two weeks -- whether they took the standard antibiotic
(amoxicillin), steroid nose spray or fake medicine.
The results echo previous findings in children.
Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed medicines for
sinus infections.
Steroid sprays sometimes are used, but the study found they also
were generally no better than dummy drugs.
One study author says doctors can focus on effective remedies
including ibuprofen and other over-the-counter painkillers. And he
says inhaling steam and squirting salt water into the nose can also
provide relief.
The study appears in the Journal of the American Medical
Association.