Sinusitis Treatment
Sinusitis Treatment
If you have sinus pain, pressure, a blocked or runny nose and symptoms that are not improving, our pharmacist may be able to help through the NHS Pharmacy First service.
Adults and children aged 12 years and over can be assessed for acute sinusitis through Pharmacy First, without needing to see a GP first.
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, the small air-filled spaces behind your forehead and cheekbones. It is common after a cold or flu and is usually caused by a viral infection.
The swelling can prevent mucus from draining properly, leading to pressure, discomfort and a blocked or stuffy nose.
Most cases of sinusitis get better on their own, but if your symptoms have lasted around 10 days or more without improving, our pharmacist may be able to assess you through NHS Pharmacy First.
You can find more information about the condition on the NHS sinusitis information page.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Common symptoms of sinusitis can include:
- Pain, swelling or tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead
- A blocked or runny nose
- A reduced sense of smell
- Green or yellow mucus from the nose
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Toothache
- Bad breath
- A feeling of pressure in the ears
- Coughing
Young people may also become irritable, breathe through their mouth or have difficulty feeding because of a blocked nose.
NHS Pharmacy First Sinusitis Service
Through NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess adults and children aged 12 years and over with symptoms of acute sinusitis.
During your consultation, the pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, whether they are improving or getting worse, your medical history and any medicines you are currently taking.
The pharmacist will assess whether your symptoms are consistent with acute sinusitis and whether treatment is appropriate under the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway.
Depending on the assessment, the pharmacist may provide self-care advice or treatment. If your symptoms require further investigation or medical attention, we will explain where you should seek further help.
You can find out more about the service on the NHS England Pharmacy First page.
Who can use this service?
The NHS Pharmacy First acute sinusitis pathway is available to people who:
- Are aged 12 years or over
- Have symptoms that may be caused by acute sinusitis
- Have generally had symptoms for around 10 days or more without improvement
- Meet the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway criteria
Children aged 11 years or younger are not covered by the Pharmacy First acute sinusitis clinical pathway.
Some symptoms or medical conditions may mean that you need assessment by another healthcare professional. Our pharmacist will advise you if Pharmacy First is not suitable.
Get help in 4 easy steps
1. Contact our pharmacy
Book an appointment if you are aged 12 years or over and have symptoms that may be caused by sinusitis.
2. Speak to our pharmacist
Our pharmacist will discuss your symptoms, how long you have had them, your medical history and any medicines you are currently taking.
3. Clinical assessment
The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and check for any signs that may require further medical attention.
4. Advice and treatment
We will explain the most appropriate next steps. Where clinically appropriate under the NHS Pharmacy First pathway, treatment may be supplied directly from the pharmacy.
How is sinusitis treated?
Most cases of acute sinusitis are caused by a viral infection and will improve without antibiotics.
Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway.
Depending on your symptoms and individual circumstances, treatment may include advice on managing your symptoms or prescription treatment where clinically appropriate.
Antibiotics are not routinely needed for sinusitis because they often make little difference to how long symptoms last. They will only be considered when clinically appropriate.
How can I manage sinusitis at home?
There are several things you can do to help manage sinusitis symptoms while you recover:
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Take suitable pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if appropriate for you
- Avoid things that trigger allergies
- Do not smoke
- Clean your nose with a salt-water solution if suitable
Our pharmacist can also advise you about medicines and treatments that may help manage symptoms such as pain or nasal congestion.
For further self-care information, visit the NHS guide to sinusitis.
Do I need antibiotics for sinusitis?
Most people with sinusitis do not need antibiotics. Acute sinusitis is commonly caused by a viral infection, which antibiotics cannot treat.
Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms using the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway and determine whether prescription treatment is appropriate.
Where an antibiotic is clinically appropriate and supplied, it is important to take it exactly as directed.
When should I seek urgent medical advice?
Some symptoms require further medical assessment rather than treatment through Pharmacy First.
You should seek urgent advice from your GP or NHS 111 if:
- You are very unwell
- Your symptoms are getting significantly worse
- Painkillers are not helping or your symptoms continue to worsen
- You have a weakened immune system
- You develop swelling around your eyes
- You develop changes to your vision
- You develop a severe frontal headache or other concerning symptoms
Our pharmacist will also check for warning signs during your consultation and refer you to another healthcare service if necessary.
You can get urgent medical advice through NHS 111 online.
How long does sinusitis last?
Acute sinusitis usually clears up on its own within a few weeks. It is common for symptoms to last longer than those of an ordinary cold.
If your symptoms are not improving, keep returning, or you have had sinusitis for several months, you may need further assessment from your GP.
Do I need to see my GP first?
No. If you are aged 12 years or over and have symptoms that may be caused by acute sinusitis, you can contact a participating community pharmacy directly for an NHS Pharmacy First consultation.
You may also be referred to Pharmacy First by your GP practice, NHS 111 or another NHS healthcare service.
Convenient NHS care from your local pharmacy
NHS Pharmacy First makes it easier to access professional healthcare for common conditions such as sinusitis without needing to wait for a GP appointment.
Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms, provide advice and, where clinically appropriate, supply treatment through the NHS service.
Book an appointment today
If you are aged 12 years or over and have symptoms of sinusitis that are not improving, book an appointment with our pharmacy team. Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
