Making the call: the diagnosis of acute community-acquired bacterial sinusitis.
BACKGROUND
Although one of the most common illnesses encountered in the primary care setting, acute community-acquired bacterial sinusitis (ACABS) can be a challenge to diagnose.


METHODS
Existing diagnostic modalities ranging from clinical history to imaging studies used to diagnose ACABS are discussed.


RESULTS
Numerous methods exist but they do not distinguish well between viral and bacterial illness.


CONCLUSIONS
Diagnosis of ACABS should primarily be made based on the clinical history. Other modalities provide useful information in select cases.
Le Annie
V
V
From the Division of Allergy and Immunology, The Scripps Clinic and Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. annievole@yahoo.com
Simon
Ronald A
RA
D000208:Acute Disease; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003948:Diagnostic Techniques, Respiratory System; D006801:Humans; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis*