- 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. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free says that increased infections and antibiotic use lead to higher bacterial resistance, rendering antibiotics less effective as bacteria adapt and develop resistance.
“The more infections you have and the more antibiotics that you are prescribed, the more bacterial resistance you have. So we’re to the point where the antibiotics no longer work,” Dr. Oberman told the Maryland State Wire. “Patients are developing what’s called bacterial resistance. Bacteria are smart microbes that are able to develop and adapt to what technology and medicine have developed, including antibiotics, and they develop means to become resistant to those antibiotics.”
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.
Dr. Oberman earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston College, as noted on Frederick Breathe Free’s website. He pursued his graduate studies at Tufts Medical School through the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program, a program similar to ROTC for aspiring medical professionals. After completing medical school, he began a career in the Navy, which spanned until his retirement in 2017, when he entered the field of comprehensive Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medicine.