Litchfield Hills Today

• Antibiotics are typically used as an initial treatment for sinus infections.

• Potential health risks associated with ongoing antibiotic use include cardiovascular disease and cancer.

• Balloon sinuplasty is an alternative treatment option for chronic sinusitis.

Of adults in the U.S. who are diagnosed with acute sinusitis -- which is a sinus infection lasting less than four weeks -- about 90% are prescribed antibiotics, according to WebMD. Chronic sinusitis is a sinus infection that lasts for more than 12 weeks. Symptoms of sinus infections can include nasal congestion, headaches, coughing, facial pain or discomfort, and nasal drainage.

Overusing antibiotics has been linked to changes in the patient's gut microbiota, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to the American Heart Association. The report notes that overusing antibiotics could also be a risk factor in premature death.

People who develop resistance to antibiotics can face increased risk if they experience infections related to other medical procedures, such as joint replacements, organ transplants and diabetes treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"There are several problems with antibiotics; the risk profile of using an antibiotic is not as low as most people would think when they study it," Dr. Robert Weiss of CT ENT Sinus Center told Litchfield Hills Today. "There are a few problems that can occur. Number one, the resistance, and we're seeing that now. There are certain infections that we can't treat very easily because of antibiotic resistance. [Bacteria] adapt to the antibiotic to become resistant to it, and it's just like a game, because every time we come up with a different antibiotic, the bacteria will figure out a way to be resistant. So the rule of thumb is not to use an antibiotic. When you have to use a very specific antibiotic for that infection, do it for as short a time as possible. So the less we treat our patients with antibiotics, the better."

An alternative treatment for chronic sinusitis sufferers is balloon sinuplasty, which is typically recommended after other treatments for their condition have been ineffective. Balloon sinuplasty is fairly straightforward, and reported complications are minimal. There’s no cutting and no removal of bones or tissue, according to Healthline.

Balloon sinuplasty is a good option for patients who don't need anything removed from the sinuses, according to WebMD. The doctor puts a thin tube into the nose with a small balloon attached to one end, then guides the balloon to the blocked area inside the nasal cavity and inflates it. The balloon helps clear the passageway so the sinuses can drain properly, alleviating congestion and allowing the patient to breathe more effectively.

Readers experiencing sinusitis and looking for treatment options are invited to take a Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.