East Indy News

It is estimated that 35 million Americans suffer from sinusitis each year, according to WebMD, and doctors can't stress enough that antibiotics aren't needed for every case.

Sinus infections are a result of fluid buildup located within pockets (sinuses) of the face, which is an invitation for germs to run rampant. Previous colds, seasonal allergies, smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, structural complications in the sinus such as polyps, a weak immune system, and taking drugs that can weaken the immune system are all factors that can increase the risk of getting sinus infections.

"Antibiotic resistance is becoming a more prevalent problem as more bacteria exposed to more antibiotics develop ways around being affected by the antibiotic," Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp of Indianapolis Sinus Center told East Indy News. "People who have chronic sinus infections and are treated with multiple antibiotics throughout the years can define antibiotics as less effective over time. Trying to fix or cure a problem once and for all makes sense from an antibiotic resistance perspective, not to mention the improved quality of life."

Antibiotics are not helpful for most sinus infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Doctors may recommend that patients wait it out before using antibiotics as a remedy. 

Common symptoms of sinus infections include a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain or pressure, headache, postnasal drip, sore throat, cough or bad breath. 

A patient should seek medical care if they are experiencing severe symptoms or have a headache, facial pain, symptoms that last more than 10 days or a fever for longer than three or four days. 

Some over-the-counter treatment options for sinus infections include nasal decongestants, antihistamines, nasal decongestant sprays, allergy medications and nasal corticosteroid sprays, according to VeryWellHealth. Always consult a doctor before seeking any medication.

The body should heal itself in the case of mild to moderate sinusitis, according to the CDC. Patients are advised to avoid antibiotics that can eventually cause antibiotic resistance. 

Chronic sinusitis is responsible for 4.1 million doctor visits and more than 230,000 emergency room visits, the CDC said.

To prevent sinus infections, it is recommended that people wash hands often, get flu and pneumonia vaccines, socially distance from people who have colds or upper respiratory infections, avoid smoking or secondhand smoke, and use a clean humidifier in the home.