Pelican State 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. Gregory Pippin of ENT & Allergy of New Orleans, antibiotics are overused for patients with sinus issues. 

“There's an overutilization of antibiotics by a lot of physicians and nurse practitioners in the United States for chronic sinusitis,” Dr. Pippin told the Pelican State News. 

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 ENT and Allergy of New Orleans' website, Dr. Gregory Pippin is certified as both an otolaryngologist and a facial plastic surgeon. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and completed his medical education at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He then completed a comprehensive residency in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, facial plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.