Many people turn to antibiotics hoping for relief from their sinusitis symptoms. Unfortunately, this is a misguided pursuit by many of them: Research published in TheJournal of Family Practice concludes that antibiotics are ineffective at treating sinusitis -- even in extreme cases where symptoms are severe. Which begs the question: If antibiotics don’t work for your sinus problems, what can you do to ease your pain? Here’s a closer look.

BEYOND ANTIBIOTICS

Nearly 30 million Americans are diagnosed with inflamed nasal passages and sinuses, AKA sinusitis, every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s one out of seven adults! Sinus infection symptoms are uncomfortable, painful and debilitating. They include sinus pressure behind the eyes and cheeks; a runny, stuffy nose; headache; fever; cough; bad breath; thick yellow or green mucus; fatigue; and decreased sense of smell.And while antibiotics are a common course of treatment, a growing body of evidence suggests that they do no more good than a placebo in terms of improving sinusitis. Not only that, but adverse events related to antibiotic use and escalating rates of drug resistance are also on the list of reasons to avoid antibiotics.Instead, doctors recommend using a number of methods to accelerate the sinusitis recovery process, including drinking plenty of water; eating healthy, immune-boosting foods; keeping sinuses hydrated with tools like humidifiers, saline nasal sprays, and steam treatments; using warm compresses around the nose, cheeks, and eyes; and taking over-the-counter medications like aspirin and antihistamines.

THE BALLOON SINUPLASTY SOLUTION

While sinus problems will sometimes resolve on their own or with help from the treatment methods above, chronic sinusitis can last for months. If your symptoms last for more than 10 days or if they recur several times, you’re not without hope, however. Scheduling a consultation with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can help you understand your options.One especially promising sinusitis treatment that has revolutionized sinus care? The Honrubia Technique for Balloon Sinuplasty. This minimally invasive technique involves minimal tissue removal with minimal pain thanks to the use of intravenous anesthesia for the patient’s comfort and safety. Not only does this in-office procedure take an average of just 20 minutes, but it also boasts quicker recovery times than conventional sinus surgery. In fact, most patients return to their normal activities within two days.Since balloon sinuplasty surgery emerged as a sinus treatment, hundreds of thousands of patients have undergone the procedure with a staggering 95 percent of them reporting that it gave them the relief they needed and they’d choose it again in the future.If you’ve been living with sinus problems there’s no reason to continue to suffer -- especially if you've had bad luck with antibiotic treatments in the past. If live in the San Antonio, Texas are and you’re wondering whether you’re a candidate for balloon sinuplasty or are interested in learning more about the benefits of balloon sinuplasty, contact us today to book your consultation with the American Sinus Institute.