Grand Canyon Times

• Overusing antibiotics has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases.
• People who develop resistance to antibiotics can face increased risk if they experience infections related to other medical procedures.
• Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive procedure utilized by surgeons to address chronic sinusitis.

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for chronic sinusitis, but they carry certain risks, and alternative treatments are available for those suffering from sinus issues. According to Dr. Brian Lee of the Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center, antibiotics are something patients and doctors need to be careful with. 

“What happens when people start to take a lot of antibiotics is that you can start to build up resistance. As you take more and more antibiotics, you start killing off the weaker bacteria, and you're left with the stronger bacteria that are resistant to or don't respond well to most antibiotics,” Dr. Lee told the Grand Canyon Times. “If you get sick and get antibiotics once or twice a year, it’s not a huge deal. However, there are people who go through that six, eight, 10 times a year and that can be an issue.”

People suffering from sinusitis may experience symptoms including congestion, facial pain, headaches, toothaches, nasal drainage, a reduced ability to smell, fever, and bad breath, according to NHS Inform. Individuals experiencing symptoms lasting for over one week are advised to consult a physician. An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist may suggest using a saline solution, over-the-counter medication, or prescribe antibiotics or a corticosteroid spray. If these treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis, the ENT specialist may also advise sinus surgery.

According to WebMD, 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.

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).

The 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.

According to Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy's website, Dr. Brian Lee graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed his internship and residency in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) at the University of Southern California. Dr. Lee was named one of the Valley's "Top Doctors" by Phoenix Magazine in 2015 and 2016.