chemical formula a combination of symbols used to express the chemical components of a substance. empirical formula a chemical formula that expresses the proportions of the elements present in a substance.
The bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of acute bacterial sinusitis. This type of bacteria can be resistant to the most common types of antibiotics at standard dosages, although there are other antibiotics that can be used to treat the condition.
The normal oropharyngeal flora contained aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that can cause respiratory infections including sinusitis. Some of these bacteria can interfere with the growth of potential pathogens and may play a role in preventing infections. Anaerobic bacteria emerge as pathogens as the infection becomes chronic. This may be the result of the selective pressure of antimicrobial agents that enable resistant anaerobic organisms to survive, and from the development over time of conditions appropriate for anaerobic growth, which include the reduction in oxygen tension and an increase in acidity within the sinus cavity.