The Article in Brief

Predicting Prognosis and Effect of Antibiotic Treatment in Rhinosinusitis

By An De Sutter, MD PhD, and colleagues

Background Rhinosinusitis (or sinusitis) is an infection or inflammation of membranes inside the nose and face. Although antibiotics are not generally effective in treating this condition, they are effective in treating a bacterial type of sinusitis that affects a minority of patients. The goal of this study is to search for clues to help identify sinusitis patients who might benefit from antibiotics.

What This Study Found Signs and symptoms of sinusitis and abnormal sinus x-ray findings do not help predict the course of the illness or whether the patient will benefit from antibiotics.

Implications

• This study contributes to a better understanding of the natural course of the "cold."
• There is no evidence that signs or symptoms of rhinosinusitis indicate a need for antibiotic treatment. Sinus x-rays have no added value in treating rhinosinusitis patients.
• The authors suggest that the best policy for patients who might have rhinosinusitis (and who do not have signs of complications or severe infection, such as high fever and serious pain) is to wait for natural recovery.