Manatee Review

• Overusing antibiotics has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases.
• People who develop resistance to antibiotics can face increased risk if they experience infections related to other medical procedures.
• Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive procedure utilized by surgeons to address chronic sinusitis.

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for chronic sinusitis, but they carry certain risks, and alternative treatments are available for those suffering from sinus issues. According to Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free, antibiotic immunity is a major risk with taking antibiotics for sinus issues. 

“Antibiotic resistance is becoming a huge issue,” Dr. Pate told the Manatee Review. “We have many different antibiotics that are really helpful for the treatment of sinusitis and other bacterial infections. But, over the years, with overuse, we have seen more and more antibiotic resistance. That's the reason it's important to treat these chronic conditions in other ways than with antibiotics.”

People suffering from sinusitis may experience symptoms including congestion, facial pain, headaches, toothaches, nasal drainage, a reduced ability to smell, fever, and bad breath, according to NHS Inform. Individuals experiencing symptoms lasting for over one week are advised to consult a physician. An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist may suggest using a saline solution, over-the-counter medication, or prescribe antibiotics or a corticosteroid spray. If these treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis, the ENT specialist may also advise sinus surgery.

According to WebMD, approximately 90% of adults diagnosed with acute sinusitis in the United States—a sinus infection lasting less than four weeks—are prescribed antibiotics. A sinus infection lasting for more than 12 weeks is called chronic sinusitis.

An article published by the Mayo Clinic reports that up to one-third to one-half of antibiotic use in humans is unnecessary or inappropriate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Cleveland Clinic highlights that numerous sinus infections may stem from viral causes. It's important to note that antibiotics are ineffective at treating viral infections. Overusing antibiotics or needlessly employing them to address viral infections can cause unnecessary side effects and cause patients to develop antibiotic resistance, potentially making future infections more challenging to treat.

According to Tampa Bay Breathe Free's website, Dr. Mariah Pate, a certified otolaryngologist, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida. She earned her medical degree from Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, finishing in the top 5% of her class. Dr. Pate completed her otolaryngology internship and residency at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.