Overview
Sinus infections, either acute or chronic, can cause extreme irritation, discomfort, inflammation, and shortness of breath. Treatment options for sinus infections start with home remedies and antibiotics, which can help relieve sinus infection, inflammation, and irritation by treating the infection. Healthcare providers also prescribe prednisone for effective treatment. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that treats the infection due to its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
Can prednisone treat a sinus infection?
Yes, Prednisone can treat prolonged sinus infections if prescribed by a healthcare provider after a thorough consultation. It is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug prescribed for sometimes acute and chronic sinus infections, depending on the nature and severity of an infection. It is also prescribed for conditions like IBD, arthritis, and skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema) and autoimmune disorders, e.g., multiple sclerosis, COPD, and bronchitis.
How does prednisone work for sinusitis?
Prednisone is considered a short-term treatment option for sinusitis to relieve inflammatory symptoms. It works best for sinusitis by taking over the body’s inflammatory response. When polyps are formed in the body due to sinusitis, it reduces the size of polyps and improves symptoms.
Prednisone is often considered for treating sinus infections when other antibiotics take longer to relieve and improve symptoms. It also effectively relieves pressure and congestion.
Always follow the dosing regimen and instructions prescribed by your healthcare provider to avoid any unwanted side effects of the corticosteroids.
Prednisone dosage for sinus infections
Dose for adults:
A common dose for adults with severe sinus infections is 20 to 40 mg daily, usually split into a single or divided dose for a short period, such as 5 to 10 days, to reduce inflammation.
Dose for Children:
The dosage for children is based on body weight and ranges from 0.5 to 2 mg per kilogram of body weight per day . It is also short-term for children and similar to that of adults.
How quickly does Prednisone (Deltasone) work for sinusitis?
Your healthcare provider will tailor the dose and dosage regimen of prednisone to your needs and the severity of an infection. The typical duration after which the symptoms will improve is 4-5 days of medication. You will start to notice the improvement in inflammation, congestion, and pressure after 2-3 days of taking prednisone.
Complete relief will be observed after 6-7 days of taking Prednisone (Deltasone). Consult your doctor if your symptoms persist for a longer time.
What are the side effects of Prednisone (Deltasone)?
Some of the common side effects of Prednisone include
- Weight gain
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia
- Mood changes
- Elevated blood sugar levels
- Fluid retention
- Increased risk of infection
- Thinning of skin
- Easy bruising
- Muscle weakness
There are also some rare and intense side effects of prednisone as well. Examples include
- Severe allergic reactions
- Vision changes
- Eye pain
- Severe mood swings or psychosis
- Severe stomach or abdominal pain
- Irregular heartbeat or chest pain
- Severe headaches
- Persistent fever
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Severe joint pain
- Signs of serious infection, such as high fever or persistent sore throat
These side effects are rare. If observed, it needs immediate medical attention by a healthcare provider.
Does Prednisone reduce mucus?
Yes, prednisone can help reduce inflammation in the airways and eventually reduce excessive mucus production due to respiratory conditions or sinusitis.
However, it also depends on the severity of the medical condition, which varies from person to person. Prednisone is often prescribed to manage conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where reducing airway inflammation can indirectly decrease excessive mucus production.
Consult a Doctor
Prednisone cannot be dispensed without a prescription. It’s good to get a consultation and personalized medicine for your sinus infection for the required time. You can now get an online consultation and medication with our healthcare providers.
FAQs about Prednisone for sinus infection
Yes. It can only be if your healthcare provider prescribes it as per the severity of your health condition. The correct dose and dosage regimen can only be decided and prescribed by your healthcare provider if prescribed to you.
Antibiotics are the first choice of medication for sinus infection, but healthcare providers also prescribe corticosteroids to decrease inflammation and congestion. It also reduces mucus production indirectly.
Yes. Prednisone is prescribed and effective for upper respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis. It also drains the mucus in case of congestion and should only be taken when prescribed by healthcare providers.
In pregnancy, it is usually recommended to practice home remedies like steam inhalation, saline nasal sprays, and hydration. Your doctors can also recommend acetaminophen for pain relief. It’s important to note that any medications should only be taken if prescribed or recommended by your doctor!
