LA Harbor News

• Overusing antibiotics has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases.
• People who develop resistance to antibiotics can face increased risk if they experience infections related to other medical procedures.
• Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive procedure utilized by surgeons to address chronic sinusitis.

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for chronic sinusitis, but they carry certain risks, and alternative treatments are available for those suffering from sinus issues. According to Dr. Farhad Sigari of Del Rey MD, sinus patients can face risk when taking antibiotics. 

“When we started, there was always concern about antibiotics, not so much antibiotic immunity or developing resistant bacteria. Since then, some studies have shown that people with chronic sinusitis, when given antibiotics, experience increased inflammatory markers,” Dr. Sigari told the LA Harbor News. “So, while antibiotics undoubtedly have a role, I think the duration and quantity of antibiotic courses are still evolving, trending towards less usage.”

People suffering from sinusitis may experience symptoms including congestion, facial pain, headaches, toothaches, nasal drainage, a reduced ability to smell, fever, and bad breath, according to NHS Inform. Individuals experiencing symptoms lasting for over one week are advised to consult a physician. An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist may suggest using a saline solution, over-the-counter medication, or prescribe antibiotics or a corticosteroid spray. If these treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis, the ENT specialist may also advise sinus surgery.

According to WebMD, 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.

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).

The 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.

According to Del Rey MD's website, Dr. Farhad Sigari earned his bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of California, San Diego, where he researched heart disease. He then attended Chicago Medical School, obtaining degrees in medicine, applied physiology, and pathology, and receiving accolades such as the Dean's Award and the Alpha Omega Alpha Award. Dr. Sigari completed his surgical internship, specializing in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, at the University of Chicago Hospital.