If your doctor can't rule out an underlying infection, he or she might recommend an antibiotic, sometimes with other medications. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. eCollection 2020. For this procedure, the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with an attached light (endoscope) to explore your sinus passages.Depending on the source of obstruction, the doctor might use various instruments to remove tissue or shave away a polyp that's causing nasal blockage. Corticosteroids work to reduce inflammation and swelling in your sinuses. About 60% to 70% of people with sinus infections recover without antibiotics, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. A "steroid burst" of oral prednisone taken for five to seven days may help to reduce inflammation. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Wiley doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013513.pub2.Patel GB, Kern RC, Bernstein JA, Hae-Sim P, Peters AT.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. A Steroid Shot for Sinus Infection will only run by your doctor. Amoxicillin is also used with other medications to treat stomach /intestinal ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori and to prevent the ulcers from returning. This makes it easier for nasal mucus to drain into your stomach like it usually does. Instead, a steroid shot could also be given to cut back inflammation. Most commonly, you will be prescribed oral prednisone to take twice a day for 5 to 7 days. If your doctor has prescribed systemic steroids, he or she has likely judged that the risk of these complications is outweighed by the potential benefit for the treatment of your disease. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011991.pub2.Head K, Chong LY, Piromchai P, Hopkins C, Philpott C, Schilder AG, Burton MJ.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Cortisol and synthetic steroids such as prednisone reduce swelling, prevent the migration of white blood cells, and stabilize the membrane of cells that release inflammatory mediators. Patients who are pregnant, have a history of stomach ulcers, glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, or recent vaccination, should not take steroids unless absolutely necessary. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. If allergies are contributing to your sinusitis, allergy shots (immunotherapy) that help reduce the body's reaction to specific allergens might improve the condition.The left illustration shows the frontal (A) and maxillary (B) sinuses, as well as the ostiomeatal complex (C). When ENT surgeons speak of steroids, we are generally referring to A short course of prednisone or methylprednisolone will almost certainly make you feel better. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011992.pub2. 2020 May;8(5):1522-1531. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.01.031. This makes it easier for nasal mucus to drain into your stomach like it usually does. A sinus infection, a.k.a. Enlarging a narrow sinus opening also may be an option to promote drainage.A neti pot is a container designed to rinse the nasal cavity.These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms:You'll likely see your primary care doctor first for symptoms of sinusitis. This is why doctors generally don’t recommend getting more than three or four injections a year for any condition.Steroid shots aren’t generally given for sinus infections, but your doctor might recommend one if other treatments don’t work.If you still have symptoms after 12 weeks, or if antibiotics or nasal sprays don’t work, a steroid shot may help.