Most cases of sinusitis heal on their own, with no need for antibiotics. | stock photo
Most cases of sinusitis heal on their own, with no need for antibiotics. | stock photo
The presence of antibiotics has proven helpful, even lifesaving in many cases, but an overreliance on antibiotics is creating some antibiotic-resistant bugs, resulting in more serious and harder-to-beat infections.
One such ailment is sinusitis, which, in most cases, will go away on its own without the need for antibiotics.
“Treating sinusitis can have significant financial impact over time when multiple over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, steroids are having to be purchased to manage it. Multiple medical visits to get symptoms managed can lead to significant cost. Sinusitis flareups are leading to you having to take days off from work or school, and this can be substantial over time,” Diana Ruiloba, physician assistant at Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, told the Grand Canyon Times.
While sinusitis can be a challenging condition to treat, seeking out antibiotics should be avoided in most cases, as using antibiotics for mild or normal cases can result in a more severe episode should the infection reoccur.
"Sinusitis can impact quality of life in many ways. It can impact life from a sleep standpoint. If you are not breathing well, you are not sleeping well; if you are not sleeping well, you are not able to perform daily tasks to your best potential," Ruiloba said.
Chronic sinusitis results in over 4 million doctors’ visits annually and more than 230,000 emergency room visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to Mayo Clinic, between one-third and one-half of antibiotics in humans are used unnecessarily or inappropriately.
Chronic sinusitis can make it hard to enjoy everyday life. If you think a specialist could help, take this quiz provided by Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.
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