Update: Clinical diagnosis and treatment for adult sinusitis

From the National Guideline Clearinghouse:

The American Academy of Otolaryngology and the Head and Neck Surgery Foundation released an update on their clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of adult sinusitis. Their major recommendations include:

• Clinicians should distinguish presumed acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) from acute rhinosinusitis caused by viral upper respiratory infections and noninfectious conditions.
• Clinicians may prescribe symptomatic relief in managing Viral Rhinosinusitis (VRS), and should recommend analgesic treatment based on the severity of pain.
• Observation without use of antibiotics is an option for selected adults with uncomplicated ABRS who have mild illness (mild pain and temperature <38.3°C or 101°F) and assurance of follow-up. If a decision is made to treat ABRS with an antibiotic agent, the clinician should prescribe amoxicillin as first-line therapy for most adults.
  

More detailed information can be read by clicking this link.