NW Riverside News

• 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. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free said that antibiotic resistance is a real issue for many patients.

"There's already significant amounts of antibiotic immunity and resistance," Dr. Hershcovitch told NW Riverside News. "The bacteria are selected for this resistance because of the overuse of antibiotics. The problem occurs when you have one of these highly resistant bacteria that then starts growing very fast, growing very aggressively in the sinuses. You end up with very few tools at your disposal to treat this problem."

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 SoCal Breathe Free's website, Dr. Hershcovitch received his undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He continued his education at the State University of New York for medical school. Dr. Hershcovitch finished his residency training in head and neck surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and completed his training with a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Stanford University.