Question

Which of the following findings is most consistent with a diagnosis of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis?

a) Fever >100.7ᵒF (38.2ᵒC)
b) Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms persisting for ≥10 days
c) Concomitant presence of facial pressure
d) Copious amounts of nasal discharge

Answer 1

Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms persisting for more than 10 days most consistently indicate a diagnosis of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis as complications from a viral infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Of the options given, b) Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms persisting for ≥10 days is most consistent with a diagnosis of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis often occurs as a secondary infection following a viral upper respiratory infection, which compromises the immune defenses and allows bacteria such as S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis to establish an infection. When symptoms of a common cold - like runny nose, congestion, and sore throat - persist beyond the typical 10-day period of a viral infection, they suggest a possible bacterial complication.

An acute episode usually manifests with several symptoms such as facial pressure, nasal discharge, and possibly fever, but the symptom that points most strongly to bacterial involvement is the duration of the illness.