Making the call: the diagnosis of acute community-acquired bacterial sinusitis.

BACKGROUND

Although one of the most common illnesses encountered in the primary care setting, acute community-acquired bacterial sinusitis (ACABS) can be a challenge to diagnose.

METHODS

Existing diagnostic modalities ranging from clinical history to imaging studies used to diagnose ACABS are discussed.

RESULTS

Numerous methods exist but they do not distinguish well between viral and bacterial illness.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of ACABS should primarily be made based on the clinical history. Other modalities provide useful information in select cases.