Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, when they do occur, are generally a secondary problem caused by complications from viral infections such as influenza. While it is often difficult to distinguish bacterial from viral sinusitis, nearly all cases are viral. Though cases of bacterial sinusitis can benefit from antibiotics, evidence of such cases does not typically surface until after at least seven days of illness. Not only are antibiotics rarely indicated for upper respiratory illnesses, but some patients experience adverse effects from such medications.

Conditions: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI), Viral Infection, Sinus Infection (Sinusitis), Flu (Influenza), Common Cold

Treatments: Antibiotics

Sources

• American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Sinus infections account for more antibiotic prescriptions than any other diagnosis.2013 [cited 2014 Feb 15]. Available from:.(AAAAI)
• Desrosiers M, Evans GA, Keith PK, Wright ED, Kaplan A, Bouchard J, et al. Canadian clinical practice guidelines for acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2011 Feb 10;7(1):2,1492-7-2. (PubMed)
• Hirschmann JV. Antibiotics for common respiratory tract infections in adults. Arch Intern Med. 2002 Feb 11;162(3):256-64. (PubMed)
• Low D. Reducing antibiotic use in influenza: Challenges and rewards. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2008 Apr;14(4):298-306. (PubMed)
• Meltzer EO, Hamilos DL. Rhinosinusitis diagnosis and management for the clinician: A synopsis of recent consensus guidelines. Mayo Clin Proc. 2011 May;86(5):427-43. (PubMed)
• Schumann SA, Hickner J. Patients insist on antibiotics for sinusitis? Here is a good reason to say "no". J Fam Pract. 2008 Jul;57(7):464-8. (PubMed)
• Smith SR, Montgomery LG, Williams JW Jr. Treatment of mild to moderate sinusitis. Arch Intern Med. 2012 Mar 26;172(6):510-3. (PubMed)