NICE has published NICE Guideline (NG) 79 on Sinusitis (acute): antimicrobial prescribing.

Acute sinusitis, or rhinosinusitis, is a self-limiting condition that is usually triggered by a viral upper respiratory tract infection, and rarely (in about 2% of cases) complicated by bacterial infection. Regardless of the cause, most patients will get better within 2–3 weeks without treatment. Antibiotics are usually not required, so avoiding their use is a reliable way to avoid unnecessarily contributing towards antimicrobial resistance.

The recommendations made by NG79 cover:

  • managing symptoms, including advice when an antibiotic is not needed and the use of corticosteroids and nasal sprays
  • choice of antibiotic when a back-up or immediate prescription is needed
  • self-care.

 

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