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Antibiotics Don't Help Suffering Sinuses
Drugs make almost no difference, and could hurt: study
By Rob Quinn
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Posted Dec 5, 07 8:46 AM CST
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(Newser)
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Antibiotics don't cure sinus infections and may actually do more harm than good, researchers have found, the Los Angeles Times reports. While more than 80% of US doctors prescribe antibiotics for sinus infections, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found the difference in recovery times between people on placebos and antibiotics so small it was insignificant.
The overuse of antibiotics is causing big problems as people build resistance, which can render the drugs ineffective against more serious illnesses, experts warn. "With a little bit of patience, the body will usually heal itself," said the study author, though he recommended that people should still check in with their doctor when colds become sinusitis.