Dallas City Wire

• 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. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers believes that antibiotics are already being used too much.

"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. However, you could argue that taking two to three courses of antibiotics in a lifetime is potentially a big deal," Dr. Trimble said. "I think anything we can do to use antibiotics judiciously so that we will stop producing resistant organisms, like 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's why it's important to find other solutions."

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