Sinusitis Guidelines 4 – Alabama Nasal & Sinus Center

Hey guys, did you miss me?  Well, ready or not, here we go with the final installment of Sinusitis Guidelines.  Also known as ansers to hot boiling questions (regarding sinusitis).  

1.  If I have acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS), do I have to take an antibiotic?

No, both watchful waiting and antibiotic therapy are proven ways to treat ABRS. Most people get better naturally, and antibiotics only slightly increase symptom relief (about 10 to 15 people must use antibiotics to get 1 more person better after 7 to 15 days).

2.  Is there any downside to using antibiotic?
Antibiotics have side effects that include rash, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, and they cause resistant germs.

3.  What is “watchful waiting” for ABRS?
Watchful waiting means delaying antibiotic treatment of ABRS for up to 7 d after diagnosis to see if you get better on your own.

4.  How is watchful waiting done?
Your doctor can give you an antibiotic prescription, but you should fill the prescription and take the antibiotic only if you do not get better after 7 days or if you get worse at any time. If you do use the antibiotic, contact your doctor’s office and let the staff know.

5.  If I use an antibiotic, for how many days should I take it?
Antibiotics are usually given for 10 days to treat ABRS, but shorter courses may be equally effective. Ask your doctor about a 5- to 7-day course of antibiotics since side effects are less common.

Well, I hope you are thoroughly satisfied in your quest for knowledge of “Sinus”. But, of course, often a little knowledge only raises more questions. It does for those of us who work with sinus patients every day. There are numerous avenues of research that need to be expolored. The role of immunodeficiency, cystic fibrosis, or allergy in chronic rhinosinusitis are beyond the scope of this forum, but these topics are covered in the guidelines. In addition, the role of nasal polyps as a factor in treatment and outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis is discussed at length. These and many other issues can be discussed in person if you are interested. Dr. Sillers and I would love the opportunity to help you with your sinus problems. Call (205)980-2091 to schedule an appointment today.

I am a general otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the ears, nose, and throat. Though I treat patients in all areas of otolaryngology, of all ages, I have special interests in rhinology, otolaryngic allergy, pediatric otolaryngology, and head and neck cancer.

I was born in Dothan, Alabama and spent my first two years in Troy, where my parents were completing school. Most of my early childhood and adolescence was spent in Pace, Florida, just East of Pensacola. I left home after graduating from Pace High School to attend the University of Florida. While there, I became very involved in various student leadership activities and even found time to play football for the Gators under Coach Spurrier. I loved college so much, I got two degrees and spent another two years in Gainesville while my new bride finished her degree in health science education. I am proudly married to the charming and beautiful Simone, mother of our three wonderful children.

I was pleased to get back to the Gulf Coast for a while when the University of South Alabama accepted me into their medical school. Those four years were some of the most intense and most fondly remembered years of my life. I started my training in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at the University of Alabama Birmingham in 2001. I completed residency training in 2006 and began working in private practice in Valdosta, Georgia. It was while training at UAB that I met Dr. Michael Sillers. It is my great privilege to call Dr. Sillers my mentor and friend. We have known each other for over a decade now, and I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to join Dr. Sillers and the Alabama Nasal and Sinus Center in providing the best in otolaryngology care to the people of Birmingham and surrounding areas.