title: Acute sinusitis in adults. Difficult to diagnose, essential to treat.
abstract: Acute sinusitis is difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis depends on obtaining a complete history and physical examination in addition to use of radiographic diagnostic aids and, if necessary, sinus aspiration. Once the diagnosis is made, empirical treatment with antibiotic agents and adjunctive measures should be started. Because most acute sinus infections are caused by H influenzae and S pneumoniae, the preferred antibiotic for treatment is amoxicillin or TMP-SMZ. Timely and appropriate therapy prevents complications. Symptoms persisting after completion of an appropriate course of treatment are an indication for referral to an otolaryngologist.
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Fontana, California, USA. edkankam@aol.com
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Kankam
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sallis
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014663:Nasal Decongestants