Everytime I seem to get a sinus infection i always seem to find myself in the hospital. The last time I had one I was in the hospital for three days it sucks. I usually know if i have a sinus infection because of the sinus mirgranes I get. I am prone to mirgranes but when I get one thats worst then usually then I know its sinus problems. If i bend over to pick something off the floor and the pressure hits so bad thats when I usually know I have one. I am not sure about antibodics. WHen i was in the hospital they were giving me three different ones and I didn't get the name of them. Plus antibodics usually give me yeast infections so i try to stay away from them. Try and look at some sinus medicines that the stores sell it might offer you some relief. Not sure if any of that helped :(

I have had very bad allergies this year. Had pink eye, sinus infections, and still have the allergies. I did go on antibiotics. That cleared up the sinus infection. For the allergies I get OTC Claritin D and use the generic Afrin. You can't use Afrin for very long so if it persists, see a doc about getting a steroid type nasal mist.

I use the regular Claritin, not the D version. It helps keep me dried up and "sneeze" free from both allergies and sinus drainage. I think your doctor or your pharmacist is best to help you with selection of an antibioitc given your medication and medical history. My best clue for infection is that the fluids that come out of my head when I am sick are yellow, brown or green and no longer clear. Oh and don't forget the tell tale swollen lymph glands that are sure to follow when I have an infection. You can't miss that!

I agree with Christina, it's usually pretty easy to tell you have an infection when your mucus changes colors, eeeuuuwww lol.

This is alergy season and they have been very bad this year. Starting with the Neti pot is great - that usually prevents infections from starting (rinse out the pot when you're done with really hot water to kill germs).

You might have alergies and need an antihistamine. Some people need to add a decongestant to that - I know my husband does so he uses the Claritan D. I have really bad alergies so I have to be really careful because I get sinus infections really easy and thats not good with the meds we take for RA.

You should definitely see your doc, because if you have an infection you want to get that under contral asap. Good luck, I hope you feel better soon...hugs jilly

The stuff I blow out of my nose is pink, EEEEWWWW GROSS so I am assuming I do have an infection. I have been using the Neti Pot 2 times a day and take an over the counter decongestant. Allergies here have been really bad this year too. Every body is sneezing.

You may want to try the "Good" Pseudophedrine HCI 30mg tablets. You will probably have to ask for it at the pharmacy, here in Kansas it is a controlled substance because they use it to make Meth Amphetamine. You can buy stuff on the shelf but it is only 10mg and doesn't do the trick. I take this when all else fails and I am having sinus headaches. If you are having persistant sinus problems you probably should pay a visit to the doctor and get checked out. Take Care, Charlie

I don't have allergies, but my sinuses have been draining almost as long as I've been on RA medication. Is there a connection? I take MTX and Enbrel.

I too have sinus troubles. I was born with very narrow nasal passages; therefore, chronic troubles! I use a nasal spray of saline in between the Neti Pot. I use the "Ocean" brand or the Target equivalent. I also use the nose strips at night to open the nose better. I have to use the child size so the strips won't pop off!

I have found that when my prednisone is increased, I have more drainage, but not when the methatrexate is increased.

Good luck with everything!!

Sinus infections for me are pretty easy to diagnose. First my head wants to explode, yes I have a violent, unrelenting headache. I know if it is an infection as Jilly said, if your mucous is yellow or green or thick and cloudy. Sinus infections rarely take care of themselves. So if you are still feeling awful give the doc a call. They can diagnose in a nano second, as it is an easy infection to spot.

I don't have a lot of confidence in my GP to prescribe the right thing. My Rheumy didn't like the fact that he prescribed Bactrim the last time. So What antibiotic can I take, of course I will stop my methotrexate while I am on the antibiotic. I think my GP just is not familiar with all the RA drugs and possible drug interactions.