Health
Antibiotics have little effect on sinusitis
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 5, 2008
A Cochrane Systematic Review of medical research found that four out of five patients who are seen in primary care with simple sinusitis improved within two weeks even if they had not been given antibiotics. When antibiotics were given, their recovery from symptoms quickened, but only marginally, the researchers said.
Having sinusitis is one of the most common reasons for visiting a physician, with 20 million visits for this condition every year in the United States alone. It accounts for between 15 and 21 of every 100 outpatient prescriptions for antibiotics for adults. Most sinusitis accompanies viral cold infections and so cannot be affected by antibiotics, but the few cases that have additional bacterial infections could benefit, the researchers found.
Because countries with high antibiotic use also have much antibiotic resistance, researchers caution clinicians to weigh the small benefits of antibiotic treatment against the potential for adverse effects for the individuals and the general population.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/05/05/hlbf0505.htm.
