More than 90% of sinus infections are caused by viruses and should not be treated with antibiotics, a common practice that can increase bacterial resistance to the drugs, the Infectious Diseases Society of America said in new guidelines.
Nearly one in seven people is diagnosed with a sinus infection each year, and such infections are the fifth-leading reason for antibiotic prescriptions, the IDSA said, but 90% to 98% of cases are caused by viruses, which are not fazed by antibiotics.
"There is no simple test that will easily and quickly determine whether a sinus infection is viral or bacterial, so many physicians prescribe antibiotics 'just in case,'" said Anthony W. Chow, M.D., chair of the guidelines panel.
Read more from the Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy at the University of Minnesota.
Â
Check in with us as we feature the latest trends, research and news in medicine, health and science. A team of Star Tribune staffers will aggregate updates from news wires, websites, magazines and medical journals.
Many children still breathe secondhand smoke
Alcohol poisoning kills thousands in U.S.
Four Minnesota hospitals designated for Ebola treatment
Calorie counts coming to more menus
StarTribune.com welcomes and encourages readers to comment and engage in substantive, mutually respectful exchanges over news topics. Commenters must follow our Terms of Use.
Comments will be reviewed before being published.