What is a Board-Certified Allergist?

Board certified allergists are specialists who have met the highest level of nationally-recognized standards for education and expertise in the field of allergy, asthma and immunology. This formal and lengthy education process is necessary to cultivate the expertise required to provide the highest-quality of care for patients with allergies and asthma. By achieving board certification, allergists demonstrate their commitment to excellence and expertise in their field, which translates to state-of-the-art, evidence-based care.

What are the Benefits of Seeing a Board Certified Allergist?

Board certification tells you that your doctor has attained the highest level of expertise to treat your health issues.

How do you find a Board-Certified Allergist?

When you start searching for an allergist/immunologist, it’s important to make sure you find a doctor you are comfortable with and you can trust. Search online for information about the doctors you are considering and ask people you trust for names of physicians they recommend. Then visit Certification Matters and enter your doctor’s name to determine if he or she is board-certified. This is a service that allows you to see if a specific doctor is certified.

Can you detect allergies through a blood test?

Yes. When you become allergic to an allergen, your body creates special antibodies to fight against it. These allergic antibodies are called IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies are formed in the bone marrow and travel in the bloodstream before being deposited in the skin and other tissues where they remain for weeks to months. Although allergy skin tests are considered the gold standard for allergy testing, blood testing can also be used to measure IgE antibodies circulating in your bloodstream

What types of tests are there for allergies?

There are three main ways to get tested for allergies: Skin Tests – Skin tests are commonly used to identify many potential allergens, including airborne, food-related, and contact allergens. Blood Tests – If you are not a candidate for an allergy skin test, your allergist may suggest a blood test. Elimination Diet – To detect which foods are causing an allergic reaction, your allergist may recommend an elimination diet. This involves removing certain foods from your diet and determining if you're symptoms improve, and then adding the food back to see if you have a reaction.

Do allergy tests hurt?

The skin prick or scratch test and intradermal test may cause slight discomfort. If you are sensitive to any of the allergens being tested, your skin may itch where the allergen was placed.

How can you treat non-life threatening allergic reactions at home?

The first step is to avoid the allergen if you know what triggers a reaction. But if an allergic reaction occurs, there are several ways to treat them at home: Antihistamines – Helps treat minor allergic reactions regardless of the cause. Anti-inflammatory Medication – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) can help temporarily reduce allergy symptoms. Saline Sinus Rinse – If your allergies cause sinus problems, it’s recommended to rinse your sinuses with saline to clear the allergens from your airways. Skin Allergy Treatments – If a skin allergy occurs, you can apply corticosteroid creams or calamine lotion to reduce symptoms, an ice pack can also help reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms.

How long does an allergy test take to administer?

Not very long. The skin prick and intradermal tests are performed in the allergist’s office and take about 20 minutes total. Your skin may start to show reactions to certain allergens such as foods, environmental allergens or insect venoms. Patch tests are used to identify if a chemical may be the cause of delayed skin rashes. The patches are applied and worn for about 48 hours and then removed. Blood tests results may take up to a week to return from the laboratory.

Are hay fever and allergic rhinitis the same thing?

Yes, allergic rhinitis is simply the proper medical term for hay fever. “Hay fever” is somewhat of a misnomer since allergic rhinitis is usually not caused by hay, nor does it result in a fever.

When is hay fever the worst in Jacksonville?

The mild temperatures in Northeast Florida mean that trees start producing spring pollen early in our area– in some years as soon as December. Unfortunately, the Jacksonville area does not really have a hay fever “off-season.” Our warm winters and early springs mean that allergic rhinitis sufferers may be exposed to pollen year-round.

Do all sinus infections require antibiotics?

No. In general, most sinus infections are not bacterial, which means antibiotics won’t help. Only bacterial sinus infections may require antibiotics, and even then, some improve without medication. Overusing antibiotics can lead to unnecessary side effects and antibiotic resistance.

What are the risks of taking antibiotics too often for sinus issues?

Frequent antibiotic use can cause side effects like stomach upset, yeast infections, and gut microbiome disruption. More importantly, it can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat.

How do I know if my sinus infection is bacterial or viral?

It can be difficult to tell without a specialist’s evaluation. Viral infections usually improve within 7–10 days, while bacterial infections may last longer and cause more severe symptoms. An allergist can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment.

Why should I see an allergist instead of urgent care for sinusitis?

Urgent care often treats sinus infections with antibiotics without addressing the underlying cause. An allergist looks deeper, using tools like allergy testing and tailored treatment plans to prevent recurring sinus issues and reduce reliance on antibiotics.

What long-term treatments are available besides antibiotics?

Options include allergy immunotherapy, nasal sprays, antihistamines, saline rinses, allergen avoidance, and lifestyle changes to reduce exposure to triggers. These treatments manage the root cause of sinus problems and provide lasting relief without overusing antibiotics.

Back To Blog

Patrick DeMarco, M.D.

The Dangers of Antibiotic Overuse for Sinus Issues: An Allergist’s Perspective

If you’ve ever battled recurring sinus infections, you know the drill: pressure in your face, congestion that won’t go away, maybe even headaches that disrupt your day. To deal with this maybe you head to the local urgent care or log into a telehealth visit with your primary care provider. Within minutes, you walk away with yet another prescription for antibiotics.

The relief might feel reassuring at first, but a few weeks later, the congestion and sinus pressure often return. Soon, you’re stuck in a frustrating cycle: antibiotics, temporary relief, relapse, repeat.

Or even worse: the antibiotics bring no relief at all. Because here’s the truth: antibiotics are not always the right solution for sinus issues. In fact, overusing them can do more harm than good. Many times, sinusitis is not due to bacteria at all, which means antibiotics can’t fix the real problem.

Over time, this can create serious health risks, including antibiotic resistance and long-term side effects .

That’s why seeing an allergist instead of urgent care can make all the difference. Allergists don’t just treat symptoms; they identify and address the root causes of your sinus problems so you can break free from the cycle of symptoms, unnecessary antibiotics, and other medications.

The Problem with Overuse: When Antibiotics Don’t Work

One of the biggest misunderstandings about sinus infections is what actually causes them. There are three primary causes of sinus inflammation:

Viral induced: These make up the majority of sinusitis cases. They develop during a cold or flu and typically resolve on their own in 7–10 days . Antibiotics have no effect on viruses.
Allergy induced: Exposure to inhaled allergens (pollens, house dust, animal dander, etc…) cause swelling and inflammation within the nose and sinuses, which often feels like an infection.
Bacterial sinus infections: These are less common, but they can last longer and sometimes require antibiotics to clear.

Here’s where the problem arises: Inflammation inside the nose and sinuses causes bothersome nasal congestion and facial pressure. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for these symptoms without confirming whether a bacterial infection is actually present. Since most sinus symptoms are not caused by bacteria, this practice leads to the overuse of antibiotics, which not only fails to solve the problem but can also negatively impact your health.

If your sinus issues keep returning even after antibiotics, it’s possible the medication was not the solution in the first place.

The Growing Threat of Antibiotic Resistance

Every time antibiotics are prescribed, some bacteria within your body adapt and grow stronger. Over time, this can lead to antibiotic resistance– meaning you develop an infection that no longer responds to the medications meant to fight it. When antibiotics are overused, the bacteria “learn” how to resist the drug.

This doesn’t just make your sinus infections harder to treat. Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern, linked to more severe infections and fewer effective treatment options .

In Jacksonville and across the country, cases of antibiotic resistance sinusitis are increasing, especially among people who’ve been prescribed antibiotics multiple times for recurring sinus issues.

The Hidden Toll: Side Effects of Long-Term Antibiotics

Antibiotics don’t just target harmful bacteria, they also disrupt the good bacteria in your body. This imbalance can lead to several long term antibiotics side effects, including:

Digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort
Yeast infections due to the disruption of your body’s natural microbiome
Skin reactions, including rashes and sensitivity
A weakened gut microbiome, which can affect digestion, immunity, and even mental health

In rare but serious cases, prolonged antibiotic use may cause organ damage, allergic reactions, or increase the risk of developing Clostridium difficile infections, which can be life-threatening .

When you look at the big picture, the risks of relying on antibiotics far outweigh the temporary relief they might provide for sinus symptoms.

The Allergist’s Perspective: A Smarter Approach

Instead of repeating the cycle of urgent care visits and antibiotics, consider the value of seeing an allergist instead of urgent care for sinusitis. Allergists specialize in uncovering the underlying causes of chronic sinus problems and tailoring treatments that actually prevent them.

Here’s what makes this approach different:

Root cause investigation: Chronic sinusitis often stems from untreated allergies, nasal inflammation, or structural issues and generally not bacteria .
Specialized diagnostic tools: Allergy testing, nasal endoscopy, and imaging may be used to identify what’s really causing your symptoms.
Personalized care: Unlike one-size-fits-all prescriptions, allergists create a treatment plan that addresses your unique triggers and medical history.

This smarter approach not only reduces dependence on antibiotics but also helps you achieve lasting relief.

Long-Term Solutions Beyond Medication

An allergist’s treatment plan often includes safe, effective options that go beyond antibiotics. These may include:

Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots): Helps retrain your immune system to stop overreacting to allergens that trigger sinus inflammation.
Nasal sprays and antihistamines: Reduce swelling and congestion without disrupting your gut microbiome.
Environmental strategies: Identifying and minimizing triggers like dust, mold, or pollen.
Education on sinus management techniques: From saline rinses to lifestyle adjustments, allergists teach you how to control symptoms before they spiral into infections.

These approaches form a holistic, long-term strategy. Instead of masking symptoms or over-relying on antibiotics, they help restore balance to your system and prevent sinus problems from recurring.

Take Control of Your Sinus Health

If you find yourself stuck in the cycle of antibiotics and recurring sinus infections, it’s time to consider a different path to relief. By choosing a board certified allergist, you gain access to expertise that looks beyond quick fixes and focuses on lasting health.

FAQs About Antibiotics and Sinus Infections

Do all sinus infections require antibiotics?
No. In general, most sinus infections are not bacterial, which means antibiotics won’t help. Only bacterial sinus infections may require antibiotics, and even then, some improve without medication. Overusing antibiotics can lead to unnecessary side effects and antibiotic resistance.
What are the risks of taking antibiotics too often for sinus issues?
Frequent antibiotic use can cause side effects like stomach upset, yeast infections, and gut microbiome disruption. More importantly, it can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat.
How do I know if my sinus infection is bacterial or viral?
It can be difficult to tell without a specialist’s evaluation. Viral infections usually improve within 7–10 days, while bacterial infections may last longer and cause more severe symptoms. An allergist can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment.
Why should I see an allergist instead of urgent care for sinusitis?
Urgent care often treats sinus infections with antibiotics without addressing the underlying cause. An allergist looks deeper, using tools like allergy testing and tailored treatment plans to prevent recurring sinus issues and reduce reliance on antibiotics.
What long-term treatments are available besides antibiotics?
Options include allergy immunotherapy, nasal sprays, antihistamines, saline rinses, allergen avoidance, and lifestyle changes to reduce exposure to triggers. These treatments manage the root cause of sinus problems and provide lasting relief without overusing antibiotics.

Concerned About Too Many Antibiotics? Visit Jax Allergy for Better Relief Today!

Learn how our Jacksonville allergy specialists can help manage your chronic sinus problems without unnecessary medication. Contact Jax Allergy today to schedule an appointment and consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.

References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3601684/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3836217/
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/antibiotics
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3183915/

Back To Blog