Antibiotics for Chronic Sinus Infections Not a Problem
Posted on: Tuesday, 19 October 2004, 12:00 CDT
MONDAY, Oct. 18 (HealthDayNews) -- People with chronic sinus infections don't have to worry about developing a resistance to antibiotics if the drugs are part of a targeted treatment program.
That's according to a study in the October issue of The Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery.
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a major public health threat, prompting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to campaign against overuse of the medications.
"Because sinus infections are so prevalent and it is the fifth most common diagnosis for which antibiotics are prescribed, our patients are a key area of concern," lead author Dr. Neil Bhattacharyya, an otolaryngologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said in a prepared statement. "Our research shows that patients suffering from chronic sinus infections may be able to lower their rate and likelihood of antibiotic resistance if a careful and strict approach to care is followed."
The researchers studied 90 chronic sinus infection sufferers over a seven-year period. Bacteria cultures were used to measure changes in each patient's level of antibiotic resistance.
Most of the patients were treated using "culture-directed therapy," in which doctors performed a minimally invasive procedure to make sure the infection was caused by bacteria. The doctors also identified the specific type of bacteria so a targeted antibiotic could be used rather than a general one.
No statistically significant increase in levels of bacteria-resistant organisms occurred in the patients during the study period.
"Our findings add more evidence that antibiotics should be used, as long as they are used carefully," Bhattacharyya said. "This begins with procedures that help guide accurate prescribing."
More information
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more about antibiotic resistance.
SOURCES: Brigham and Women's Hospital, news release, Oct. 18, 2004~SINU~~ANTB~
Source: HealthSCOUT
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