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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

We read with interest the article by Bucher et al¹ and would like to address a couple of key issues related to the diagnosis of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) that we believe have substantial implications on the outcomes reported by the authors.

The most significant issue is that the criteria used for making the diagnosis of ABRS are not consistent with standards established by multiple organizations and in a large number of reports.^2-8 In 1996, the Rhinosinusitis Task Force of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery reported criteria for the diagnosis of ABRS.^2-3 The diagnosis was made based on the time from the onset of symptoms and the number and type of symptoms present. Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis was defined as being sudden in onset, with persistent symptoms lasting for 10 days or worsening symptoms after 5 days. Major and minor clinical criteria were identified to make the diagnosis.^2-3 . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Micheal S. Benninger, MD
Detroit, Mich

James A. Hadley, MD
Rochester, NY

J. David Osguthorpe, MD
Charleston, SC

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