New Insights Into Adult Rhinosinusitis

Newswise — Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in adults is a common malady, with between 30 to 35 million cases a year. These patients are seen by a range of practitioners, from primary care physicians to otolaryngologists.

Findings from a meta-analysis that examined the use of antibiotics for treatment of these patients are presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO. Researchers noted several interesting points revealed in their research, including that the natural course of acute rhinosinusitis in adults is more prolonged than traditionally thought. Only a small minority of patients are cured or report improvement after 3 to 5 days, even when treated with an antibiotic. A second finding showed that antibiotics do provide a benefit in regard to the number of patients improved or cured, but only 7 to 12 days after initiation of treatment with antibiotics. Before 7 days, antibiotics do not provide a significant advantage, compared to treating simply with a placebo. An additional finding is the significant frequency at which negative side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea, occur with antibiotic treatment.

Findings from the study may help to determine a natural history of acute rhinosinusitis in adults, and what to expect when antimicrobial therapy is administered.

Title: Systematic Review of Antimicrobials for Acute RhinosinusitisAuthors: Michael C. Singer, MD, Richard M Rosenfeld, MD MPH, Stacie Schilling Jones MPHDate: Tuesday, September 18, 9:58 am - 10:06 am

Information for the MediaThe AAO-HNS Annual Meeting newsroom will be located in Registration East, Street Level of the Washington, DC Convention Center. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 15, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday - Tuesday, September 16 -18, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 19, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the media and credentialed public relations staff. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event - http://www.entnet.org/ent-press/online_reg.cfm.

About the AAO-HNSThe American Academy of Otolaryngology " Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's mission: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."