I want antibiotics for my sinuses

[Froomp]

I don’t have a cold or anything but for weeks and weeks I’ve had intense pressure behind the bridge of my nose. Sudafed hasn’t worked nor has inhaling steam. I went to the GP and asked if they would prescribe antibiotics and was told they wouldn’t, but showed me a link to some contraption that washes your nose out.
Has anyone had a sinus pressure headache without the nasal congestion last this long? And if you have what helped? AIBU to give it another week or two and then beg for antibiotics or something?

You weren't being unreasonable. Everyone on here who has taken antibiotics for sinusitis has said that it works. Everyone. Some other people have said that hanging upside down with candles in their ears while pushing their faces into their armpits and snorting salt also works; others have said that these things are useless. But for anyone who has taken antibiotics it's been a success. If I were a doctor, I'd have a certificate to prove that I was right in taking from this that antibiotics are a sensible first line treatment for infections. Go back to your GP. Get some pills. Feel better.

What Fuma said

If you are using a neti pot or other sinus rinse, make sure you use sterilized (boiled) water. It is rare, but there have been instances of people getting infections that can be very serious.

It can last 6 months OP. (it might not be the original infection, but repeat infections on a weakened immune system). My worst lasted 3 months but at that stage I did get antibiotics and a steroid spray because post-nasal drip was starting to affect my throat as well and it was gone after a week. So YANBU, sinusitis that is prolonged may have a bacterial element and after 6 weeks I would be looking for antibiotics. Also I would not bother steaming, using netipots etc, it can spread the infection to other sinus cavities.

Fuma, an extended period of pressure and pain doesn't necessarily indicate an infection. Yes abx use in animals is a contributor to resistance but the other more relevant major contributor is inappropriate medical use.

Op none of us can tell if you have an infection. Has your GP done any blood tests to see if there may be an infection? I'd try all other avenues in the meantime including maybe seeing the dentist and if it's not resolving do keep seeing your gp.

I hope your pain improves soon.

DH had a week of awful sinus pain with no other symptoms. Antibiotics cured it after nothing else had.

He bounced between doctor and dentist a couple of times in the process.

OP, something else to consider?

I had a cold that seemingly lasted nearly a year. Tried everything. Turned out it was nasal polyps which I had a simple operation to remove.

I know it's a bit left field but worth reading and seeing if it fits at all and if GP advice doesn't work, asking about this?

Good luck-it's so painful!!

www.nhs.uk/conditions/nasal-polyps/

I know this is going to sound ridiculous but I am getting worried about it being some kind of sinus cancer or brain tumour.

I was in this position exactly. I tried the nasal flush- it worked

I wonder if the people pontificating about antibiotic resistance would take them if they were in severe pain and antibiotics were a possible remedy.

I bet they would.

It's easy to lecture when it's someone else's pain.

OP if it was a brain tumour or cancer you would have other signs and symptoms. As you haven't reported any it isn't.

I suggest you go to your GP, ask for antibiotics. If s/he refuses to give them to you ask for a nasal spray.

If the nasal spray doesn't work go back and ask for another one plus a referral to ENT. If s/he refuses and the nasal spray doesn't work keep going back and asking for a different one plus a referral.

Just to warn you if ENT does find something wrong then they will tell you while they can correct it, the issue is likely to come back.

I've had sinus washouts done in hospital and had surgery on my septum in an effort to improve drainage. I haven't tried the home version but I am tempted, I do use menthol crystals for inhalations.

For a few years after the surgery, GP's would willingly throw meds at me any time after a cold to stop them getting so infected again - they do prescribe antibiotics for sinuses!

Ds was prescribed antibiotics by the paediatric consultant we saw for his sinusitis.
They were actually testing him for a brain tumour, but the mri showed up sinus . Only symptom was headaches. As mentioned above he was 9 at the time.

I currently have a sinus infection and I have been given a steroid spray and wash. Dr said they want to try that before antibiotics. I found that they are starting to help. I was told that decongestants can make it worse.

Forgot to add extra strong mints seem to help a bit. It releases the pressure.