Montgomery News

• Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for sinusitis.
• Doctors warn that overuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of "antibiotic resistance," which can cause serious health complications.
• Patients looking for a long-term solution have treatment options such as balloon sinuplasty.

Of adults in the U.S. diagnosed with acute sinusitis -- a sinus infection lasting less than four weeks -- approximately 90% are prescribed antibiotics, according to WebMD. Chronic sinusitis is a sinus infection that lasts for more than 12 weeks. Symptoms of sinus infections can include nasal congestion, headaches, coughing, facial pain or discomfort and nasal drainage.

The overuse of antibiotics has been linked to changes in the patient's gut microbiota, which can increase the risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to the American Heart Association. The AHA report notes that overusing antibiotics could also be a risk factor in premature death.

People who develop resistance to antibiotics can face increased risk if they experience infections related to other medical procedures, such as joint replacements, organ transplants and diabetes treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers said people who use antibiotics too frequently run the risk of developing antibiotic resistance and other complications. 

"It becomes a problem for people down the road," Khanna told Montgomery News. "Our GI tract just becomes much more sensitive to these medications with repeated use, and it becomes a problem for us as we get into our older years. We start to deal with more resistant, tougher and more virulent bacteria out there that don't respond to antibiotics, and this is becoming a problem. Antibiotics really have to be used carefully; they can't be used haphazardly." 

Balloon sinuplasty is most often recommended for people with chronic sinusitis, after other treatments for their condition have been ineffective. Balloon sinuplasty is a fairly straightforward procedure, and reported complications are minimal. There’s no cutting involved and no removal of bone or tissue. After a balloon sinuplasty, many people are able to return to their regular activities within a day or two. Some people even drive themselves home after the procedure.

For more information about the symptoms of chronic sinusitis and allergies, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.