Sinusitis
Assessed by our pharmacy team under NHS Pharmacy First - no GP appointment needed for eligible patients.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses - the small air-filled spaces behind your cheekbones, forehead and eyes. It usually follows a cold, when the sinuses fill with mucus and become blocked.
It is uncomfortable and can be slow to clear, but most cases are viral and settle with time and the right self-care.
What sinusitis feels like
- Pain, pressure or tenderness around the cheeks, forehead or eyes
- A blocked nose, or mucus running down the back of the throat
- Reduced sense of smell
- A headache that is worse when leaning forward
- Toothache in the upper jaw, or a raised temperature
How we can help
Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess sinusitis for eligible patients and advise on the treatment that fits your symptoms.
Because most sinusitis is viral, antibiotics are not always the answer. The assessment includes when antibiotics are worth considering - typically if symptoms are severe, worsening after starting, or lasting beyond about ten days with certain features.
Treatment
Saline nasal irrigation, short-term decongestants and simple pain relief help most people. A steroid nasal spray can reduce swelling in stubborn cases. Where a bacterial infection is likely, the pharmacist can supply antibiotics where clinically appropriate.
Get urgent help if you have
- Swelling, redness around one or both eyes, or vision changes
- Severe headache, confusion or drowsiness
- A high temperature with a stiff neck
- Symptoms after head injury or with severe facial trauma
Common questions
Think you have sinusitis?
Book an NHS Pharmacy First assessment, or walk in and speak to our team.