On the basis of the risks outweighing the benefits, a recent systematic review published by the Cochrane Data-base concluded that: The potential benefit of antibiotics in the treatment of clinically diagnosed acute rhinosinusitis needs to be seen in the context of a high prevalence of adverse events. Taking into account antibiotic resistance and the very low incidence of serious complications, we conclude that there is no place for antibiotics for the patient with clinically diagnosed, uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23076918
Trials of homeopathy in this common condition clearly indicate its potential to successfully treat it. In addition, the use of homeopathy avoids the immediate risks of adverse reactions associated with anti-biotics and the more long-term problem of anti-microbial resistance
References:
Randomised Controlled Trials of homeopathy in rhinosinusitis
Friese K-H, Zabalotnyi DI. Homeopathy in acute rhinosinusitis. A double-blind, placebo controlled study shows the efficiency and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy. HNO 2007; 55: 271–277.
Weiser M, Clasen B. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of the clinical efficacy of the homeopathic Euphorbium compositum-S nasal spray in cases of chronic sinusitis. Forschende Komplementärmedizin 1994; 1: 251–259.
Zabolotnyi DI, Kneis KC, Richardson A, et al. Efficacy of a complex homeopathic medication (Sinfrontal) in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Explore (NY) 2007; 3: 98–109.
Non-randomised studies
Witt CM, Lüdtke R, Willich SN. Homeopathic treatment of patients with chronic sinusitis: a prospective observational study with 8 years follow-up. BMC Ear Nose and Throat Disorders 2009; 9: 7.