Final answer:
To treat bacterial sinusitis in patients allergic to penicillin, healthcare providers prescribe alternative antibiotics like macrolides, fluoroquinolones, or doxycycline. Additional treatments include nasal irrigation and corticosteroids for symptom relief. Always follow the provider's instructions and complete the course of antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
When treating bacterial sinusitis in a patient who is allergic to penicillin, healthcare providers typically prescribe alternative antibiotics that are not related to the penicillin family. First-line alternatives include macrolides such as azithromycin or clarithromycin, and fluoroquinolones like levofloxacin or moxifloxacin. If the sinusitis is mild to moderate, doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, can also be used. In more severe cases or for patients with other risk factors, respiratory fluoroquinolones may be considered more appropriate. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions precisely and complete the entire course of the prescribed antibiotic to ensure the infection is fully treated.
In addition to antibiotics, other treatments that may help alleviate symptoms include nasal irrigation, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, and pain relievers. However, these do not treat the underlying infection but rather provide symptomatic relief. The choice of antibiotic and additional therapies should be guided by a healthcare professional, considering individual patient factors and local antibiotic resistance patterns.