• Antibiotics are typically used as an initial treatment for sinus infections.
• Potential health risks associated with ongoing antibiotic use include cardiovascular disease and cancer.
• Balloon sinuplasty is an alternative treatment option for chronic sinusitis.
More than 90% of U.S. adults who are diagnosed with acute sinusitis are prescribed antibiotics, according to WebMD, but experts warn that the overuse of antibiotics can be detrimental in a number of ways. Aside from the antibiotics becoming ineffective, becoming resistant to them can cause health issues as well.
“If you choose to go the route where you would treat your sinuses with antibiotics for every sinus infection that you have, over a long period of time, you can develop antibiotic resistance, as we call it,” Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told East Panhandle News. “The antibiotics may work the first couple times. But it may not work the third or fourth or the fifth or the sixth time because the bacteria in your sinuses has been taught how to avoid those antibiotics through biologic processes. And this is always a worry, as prolonged antibiotics can have side effects.”
According to WebMD, acute sinusitis is defined as a sinus infection lasting more than four weeks. Chronic sinusitis is defined as a sinus infection that lasts more than 12 weeks. Symptoms include headaches, nasal congestion, nasal drainage, pain or discomfort in the face, and coughing.
The American Heart Association reported that the overuse of antibiotics has been linked to changes in the patient’s gut microbiota. This can increase the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that patients who develop a resistance to antibiotics can face risks if they have infections from future medical procedures like joint replacements, organ transplants and diabetes treatment.
“I mean, it’s a drug,” Blair said. “It’s a drug taken by mouth or IV, and they can affect your kidneys, it can affect your digestive tract. Antibiotics are always the first treatment for acute sinusitis. But when you have chronic sinusitis, antibiotics may not work that great. I find that sinuses are better treated (with) nasal sinus irrigation with antibiotics in it. The goal of treatment is to open up the sinuses with a sinus balloon, have a good opening and then have the patient irrigate their nose with a solution of steroids to decrease inflammation, as well as a choice of antibiotic, and that can be tailored to your specific needs.”
Blair is referring to balloon sinuplasty, which is a popular alternative treatment for those suffering from chronic sinusitis, according to Healthline. It is minimally invasive and complications are few, as there is no cutting nor bone removal.
According to Web MD, balloon sinusitis involves a thin tube being put into the nose with a small balloon at the end, which is then guided to the blocked area where it is inflated. This helps clear the passageway to drain mucus and debris from the sinuses, allowing the patient to breathe more effectively.
If you’re suffering from chronic sinus infections and are interested in learning about treatment options, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.
