Do patients with uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis benefit from antibiotic treatment?
BEEM Bottom Line
Why is this study important?
Acute rhinosinusitis is an infection of the nasal passages and the paranasal sinuses, typically characterized by facial pain and nasal discharge lasting < 4 weeks. Despite its mostly viral etiology, antibiotics (Abx) are often prescribed for this infection. Whether or not Abx are prescribed, almost 1/2 of sufferers recover after 1 week and 2/3 recover after 2 weeks. This systematic review examines the net benefit of Abx treatment for uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis.
Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?
Thank you for your interest in the BEEM Journal!
To read the rest of this article or to access the entire collection of BEEM Critical Appraisals, please purchase a subscription at the link below.
If you would like a pre-view, click here to view some sample articles
- Article Number
- 170501
- Research Question
- Is it safe to rule out acute pulmonary embolism with stand-alone D-dimer testing below 750 µg/L?
- Article Number
- 160404
- Research Question
- What are the latest recommendations for the management of venous thromboembolism?
- Article Number
- 160205
- Research Question
- How well does oblique angle chest X-ray identify occult pneumothorax in trauma patients?
- Article Number
- 160101
- Research Question
- Is continuous positive airway pressure by helmet effective in the treatment of infants with bronchiolitis?
Premium Content Available Through Subscription
BEEM is a knowledge translation project which aims to extract the most recent, EM relevant, and valid evidence from the volumes of available medical research and deliver it to EM practitioners in an easily consumable format to help guide their clinical practice. This valuable distilled information provided by BEEM is available through BEEM's accredited CME courses or through our online journal.
A BEEM Journal Subscription will provide you with unlimited access to our entire collection of Critical Appraisals for 1 year.