Acute rhino-sinusitis at the GP’s office.

Overview

In the contribution presented the problems of acute rhino-sinusitis have been summarized for the needs of GPs. Emphasis is put on that the presented pieces of knowledge be in accordance with the demands of evidence-based medicine. Noted are namely the diagnostics and treatment of the disease. The basis of a correct diagnosis is foremost the clinical picture and duration of symptoms. A proper differentiation of viral from bacterial inflammation should be reflected in a diminished superfluous prescribing of antibiotics, and thus help curb the rising trends of antibiotics resistance in bacteria. Although uncomplicated cases of acute rhino-sinusitis are wholly in the competence of the GP, in the article there have been enumerated situations when the patient should be referred to the otorhinologist. In question are signs of imminent complications.

Key words:
acute rhino-sinusitis – diagnostics – treatment – antibiotics – complications