New guidelines help identify, treat bacterial sinusitis

Approximately 20 million cases of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) are reported in the U.S. every year, and cost the economy almost $3.5 billion annually. In addition, ABRS is the fifth most common diagnosis for which an antibiotic is prescribed. The Sinus and Allergy Health Partnership (SAHP) recently updated its guidelines that provide recommendations for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of ABRS. The updated Antimicrobial Treatment Guidelines for Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis were published in the January 2004 issue of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery.