Richmond Leader

• 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.

Dr. John Ditto | Richmond Breathe Free

People of all ages across the globe suffer from sinusitis, and while many are prescribed antibiotics, some experts are warning patients that overuse can lead to other potentially harmful issues.

“The risk of antibiotic immunity is super-resistant organisms that can't be reached and can't be treated with conventional methods, then you may have to go to intravenous antibiotics,” Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told the Richmond Leader. “That's the major risk. Then, you have an infection that you can't manage, which can lead to complications because nasal sinuses are adjacent to the eye and to the brain. This can lead to orbital infections and also brain infections, potentially meningitis and brain abscess.”

Around 90% of of adults in the U.S. who are diagnosed with acute sinusitis -- a sinus infection lasting four weeks or less -- are prescribed antibiotics, according to WebMD.

The American Heart Association reported that the overuse of antibiotics can lead to changes in the patient’s gut microbiota. This can increase risks for chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease or cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that people who develop resistance to antibiotics can face risks of infection if they undergo other medical procedures like joint replacements, organ transplants and diabetes treatments.

Chronic sinusitis is defined as a sinus infection that lasts more than 12 weeks. Symptoms include nasal congestion, headaches, pain and discomfort in the face, and nasal drainage.

According to Healthline, balloon sinuplasty is recommended for those who have chronic sinusitis and have not experienced relief through other methods. It is a good option for patients who don’t need anything removed from their sinuses and want a noninvasive treatment to drain the area, according to WebMD.

The balloon sinuplasty procedure involves a doctor inserting a thin tube into the nose with a small balloon at the end. The balloon is guided into the blocked area and inflated, which clears the passageway of mucus and debris, allowing the patient to breathe more effectively.

If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and want to learn more about treatment options, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.