Richmond Leader

• Most acute sinusitis sufferers in the U.S. are prescribed antibiotics, even though they do not cure viral infections.
• There are several risks associated with the overuse of antibiotics.
• It's necessary to consult with a board-certified ENT doctor to ensure that you receive safe and effective treatment for your sinus issues.

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed to address sinusitis, but excessive usage may pose significant risks to a patient's well-being. Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free said that when dealing with health issues, antibiotic resistance is something to be wary of.

"When dealing with antibiotic immunity, you develop a super-resistant organism that can’t be reached and can’t be treated with conventional or in-a-box antibiotics, and then you may have to resort to intravenous antibiotics. And that's the major risk," Dr. Ditto told the Richmond Leader. "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, so it can lead to orbital infections and also brain infections, potentially meningitis and brain abscess."

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).

WebMD reports that 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. Common symptoms of sinus infections include nasal congestion, headaches, coughing, facial pain or discomfort, and nasal drainage.

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.

The CDC states that individuals who develop antibiotic resistance may encounter heightened risks when dealing with infections linked to various medical procedures, including joint replacements, organ transplants, and diabetes treatment.

Sinus infections may also stem from allergies, which, like viral infections, may not be effectively treated with antibiotics, according to Very Well Health. An ENT specialist can determine whether antibiotics are necessary in your specific case or if you might need a different type of treatment.

According to Richmond Breathe Free's website, Ditto received his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, where he earned recognition for his research efforts. He then went on to receive specialized training in ear, nose, and throat disorders at the University of Michigan's department of otolaryngology head and neck surgery.