ABRS
Medical abbreviation · Ophthalmology & ENT
| Stands for | Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
ABRS stands for Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, an ophthalmology & ENT abbreviation.
Sinus infection caused by bacteria, suspected when cold-like symptoms persist beyond 10 days without improvement, begin with high fever and purulent discharge for several days, or worsen after initial improvement ("double sickening"). Most acute sinusitis is viral and does not need antibiotics.
Example: Symptoms 12 days without improvement, purulent drainage: ABRS, amoxicillin-clavulanate for 7 days.
Usage notes
Antibiotics or watchful waiting with close follow-up are both acceptable for uncomplicated adult cases under otolaryngology guidelines. Amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate is first-line. Facial swelling, eye symptoms or severe headache suggest complications needing urgent care. Imaging is not needed for uncomplicated cases.
Related abbreviations
More ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations
- ABR – Auditory brainstem response
- ADD – Near addition (add power)
- AMD – Age-related macular degeneration
- anti-VEGF – Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
- AOM – Acute otitis media
- AR – Allergic rhinitis
- AREDS – Age-Related Eye Disease Study
- ARMD – Age-related macular degeneration
- BCVA – Best-corrected visual acuity
- BOM – Bilateral otitis media
- BPPV – Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- BRVO – Branch retinal vein occlusion
See all 74 ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.