The first-line treatment for acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) is generally amoxicillin, with or without clavulanate.
Understanding Sinusitis Treatment
Sinusitis, or rhinosinusitis, is inflammation of the sinuses. Acute bacterial sinusitis is a specific type caused by bacteria. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the sinusitis. For acute bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics are often necessary.
Multiple sources, including the Infectious Disease Society of America Guidelines and various medical journals (see references below), support amoxicillin as a primary choice. The addition of clavulanate is sometimes recommended to broaden antibiotic effectiveness against resistant bacteria.
- Amoxicillin: A common penicillin-based antibiotic effective against many bacteria that cause sinusitis.
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate: Combines amoxicillin with clavulanate to overcome resistance to amoxicillin in some bacterial strains.
Treatment duration varies. Adults may receive a shorter course (5-7 days), whereas children might require a longer course (10-14 days). Always follow a doctor's prescribed dosage and duration.
Note: This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis. Self-treating can be harmful.
References:
- Infectious Disease Society of America Guidelines for Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis (mentioned in provided text)
- UpToDate: Uncomplicated acute sinusitis and rhinosinusitis in adults: Treatment (https://www.uptodate.com/contents/uncomplicated-acute-sinusitis-and-rhinosinusitis-in-adults-treatment)
- AAFP: Acute Rhinosinusitis in Adults (https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/0501/p1057.html)
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Rhinosinusitis in Children (https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/132/1/e262/31288/Clinical-Practice-Guideline-for-the-Diagnosis-and)
- eMedicine: Acute Sinusitis Treatment & Management (https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/232670-treatment)
- JAMA Network: Diagnosis and First-Line Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2666487)
- eMedicine: Acute Sinusitis Medication (https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/232670-medication)
- JAMA Internal Medicine: Antibiotic Therapy Duration in US Adults With Sinusitis (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2674867)
- Cleveland Clinic: Sinusitis (https://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/allergy/rhino-sinusitis/)
- JAMA Internal Medicine: Frequency of First-line Antibiotic Selection (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2571613)
