Gateway Reporter

• 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. Stephen Bane of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, treatments that actually fix sinus blockages prove to be effective in the long-term. 

“By the time they see us, most patients have been on allergy medicines, allergy treatments, or multiple courses of antibiotics,” Dr. Bane told the Gateway Reporter. “What we’re looking for is the way to fix what usually ends up being an anatomical problem, in other words, a blockage in the sinuses. And we can fix the blockage and their sinuses and we can make them feel better, and since we can do it in the office and its minimally invasive and requires minimal downtime, it's become very successful.”

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 Capitol Breathe Free's website, Dr. Stephen Bane trained in general surgery at NYU and Bellevue Hospitals in New York. He has been practicing in Woodbridge and has been on staff at Potomac Hospital/Sentara Northern VA Medical Center since 1997. He has served as Chairman of the OR Committee, ENT Section Chief, and Medical Executive Committee, and is currently the Chairman of the Surgical Department. Dr. Bane was recognized as one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Doctors in 2020.