SW Dallas News

• 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. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, the effects of antibiotic resistance can be far-reaching. 

“I realized that in medicine, we were so used to prescribing antibiotics that giving someone two to three courses of antibiotics in a year may seem like no big deal, but you could also argue that taking two to three courses of antibiotics in a lifetime potentially is a big deal,” Dr. Trimble told the SW Dallas News. “I think anything we can do to use antibiotics judiciously so that we will stop producing resistant organisms, treating these issues in a different fashion, is going to not only help the health of the individual but will also help public health overall. I think that if we don't become more careful in our prescribing of antibiotics, we're only going to increase our issues in the future with bacterial resistance to antibiotics.”

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 Dallas Breathe Free's website, Dr. Monty Trimble is certified in otolaryngology. He earned his bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Texas A&M University and completed his medical education at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Trimble then completed his residency in otolaryngology at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics.