It is in all likelihood a sinus infection — sinusitis in medical parlance, an ailment that afflicts an about 37 million Americans each year, that is now soaring in prevalence and that is the fifth most common reason for which antibiotics are prescribed. But, experts say, in many cases that prescription is inappropriate and ill-advised, and this misuse of antibiotics is contributing to a growing medical crisis: antibiotic resistance among common bacterial causes of respiratory infections. Sinus …showed first 75 words of 593 total…

…showed last 75 words of 593 total…Avoid air travel, but if you must fly, take an oral decongestant beforehand and use a decongestant nasal spray two hours before landing. Avoid exposure to substances that can set off an allergy attack. If the person experiences an allergic reaction, he should use a prescription nasal spray or saline spray and one of the new nonsedating antihistamines (available only by prescription) to control symptoms. He should not smoke or go near anyone who does.