Sunshine Sentinel

• 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. Cody Aull of West Palm Beach Breathe Free said that antibiotics may be overused in some cases.

"Antibiotics are absolutely wonderful, but we also know that they are unfortunately grossly overused and used incorrectly and inadequately, Dr. Aull told the Sunshine Sentinel. "And it leads to resistance, so that when you really need an antibiotic, it might not be available to do the job that it needs to. That's a big problem."

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. Aull earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of Health Sciences/Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri, according to West Palm Beach Breathe Free's website. Following that, he finished his residency in otolaryngology and surgery, which included an ENT internship, at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Missouri. He has also served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy.