I canât itch and dissect a frog at the same time. My first memory of the prolonged itching sensation on my arms and neck was during a summer school biology course when I was 14 years old. The distraction of constantly wanting to scratch while trying to focus on cutting up a frog was pure torture.
Chronic sinusitis may last 12 weeks or longer and usually requires 3 to 4 weeks of antibiotic treatment. Symptoms may persist or return despite adequate antibiotic treatment. A different antibiotic may be needed to treat the infection. Referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist (also called an otolaryngologist) may be needed if symptoms of sinusitis do not go away despite long-term antibiotic treatment.
Antibiotics may be prescribed for sinusitis caused by bacteria. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat a sinus infection caused by a virus, however. Nevertheless, OTC medications can offer symptom relief. OTC medications include decongestants, expectorants, analgesics, and antihistamines. Each of these functions differently and serves a different purpose.