Chronic sinusitis infections are commonly known to be of a polymicrobial nature. A single oral agent usually does not have the capability of covering all the organisms involved in chronic sinusitis. In addition, oral agents may fail due to less than optimal concentration of medications that can be achieved in the bloodstream. This mainly happens because of decreased absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Decreased absorption can occur because of the co-administration of other oral agents, interaction with certain food and drink groups and illness.
The reduced concentration of medicine via oral agents has difficulty attacking the infection when located in the bone surrounding the sinus cavities. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics can overcome many of the drawbacks involving oral agents. The concentration of antibiotic in many cases is more stable. The antibiotic is not affected by variables in the gastrointestinal tract because it bypasses and directly enters the bloodstream.
Absorption problems are minimized. Since some of the infection is in the surrounding bone a higher concentration of medicine is necessary. Intravenous induction will increase the concentration and can be sustained over longer periods of time. The use of multiple antibiotics at the same time helps to insure a broader spectrum of action, thus attacking many forms of bacterial infections simultaneously.
There is a certain population of patients who will find major relief to chronic sinusitis solely through the administration of antibiotics via intravenous methods. Other patients still needing surgery will find that IV antibiotics will greatly reduce the inflammation in the sinuses. This will allow the surgeon cleaner access to perform his tasks. Post surgical recovery has proven easier on these patients.
