PHX Reporter

• 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. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free said that in regards to taking the correct antibiotics, it's important for patients to see the correct provider to make sure they get the best option to address their issues.

"A lot of people run into the urgent care facility or don't see their specialists. They might not be prescribed the right medicines," Dr. Stewart told PHX Reporter. "So, seeing the right person for the right problem is always your best choice for everything."

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 Arizona Breathe Free's website, Dr. Stewart earned his bachelor's degree in biology, graduating with summa cum laude honors, from Grand Canyon University. He went to medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training in otorhinolaryngology/facial plastic surgery at the Freeman Hospital & Health System in Joplin, Missouri.