Researchers used the 2016 National Disease and Therapeutic Index to investigate 3.7 million visits to physicians where antibiotics were prescribed for acute sinusitis. They grouped the antibiotics as penicillins, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, azithromycin or other. They noted treatment duration in days.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends five to seven days of antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated cases. However, the study shows 69.6 percent of antibiotic therapies for sinusitis were prescribed for 10 days or longer.
Additionally, when prescriptions for azithromycin were excluded, 91.5 percent of antibiotic courses were prescribed for 10 days or longer.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Baby boomers lag in hepatitis C screenings despite high infection rates
Michigan allocates $500k to boost vaccine efforts amid historic hep A outbreak
Rise in Indiana hepatitis A cases linked to Kentucky outbreak
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.