Pharmacy First
Sinusitis
Pharmacy First is an NHS service which enables you to get expert advice and treatment for sinusitis from our pharmacy, without needing you to see your GP.
Sinusitis can be treated in the pharmacy. If you or your child need advice you can come to our pharmacy and get in touch with our pharmacists who will provide you with expert advice.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis (sinus infection) is swelling of the sinuses lining.
Common & usually clears in 2–3 weeks.
Causes mucus build-up, pressure, and pain in your face.
Common Symptoms
Blocked or runny nose
Green or yellow mucus
Pain or tenderness around eyes, cheeks, or forehead
Sinus headache
Fever (38°C or above)
Toothache, reduced sense of smell, bad breath
In children: irritability, mouth breathing, difficulty feeding, nasal speech
Common Causes
Viral infections (most common)
Bacterial infections (less common)
Allergies (hayfever, asthma)
Nasal polyps
Smoking or weak immune system
Occasionally fungal infections or infected tooth
Who Can Use Pharmacy First? (Eligibility)
Available for people aged 12 and over.
Pharmacists can give advice and certain prescription medicines.
Not suitable if:
Pregnant women under 16
Symptoms last more than 12 weeks
Immunosuppressed individuals
Severe symptoms or one-sided facial pain
Helping Yourself at Home (Dos & Don’ts)
Do:
Rest and drink plenty of fluids
Use age-appropriate pain relief
Use warm compresses on your face
Use saline nasal sprays or solutions
Avoid allergens and smoking
Don’t:
Use nasal decongestants for more than a week
Ignore worsening symptoms or high fever
Share nasal sprays or solutions with others
When to See a GP
Symptoms lasting more than 10 days with: blocked/runny nose, facial pain, reduced smell, cough (children)
Severe or worsening symptoms after 3 months
Pain relief isn’t helping
One-sided facial pain
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention (A&E)
Signs of meningitis
Frontal headache or swelling over frontal bone
Eye complications (orbital cellulitis, displaced eyeball, reduced vision)
Why use this service?
If you are suffering from a sore throat you are able to come to our pharmacy and get assessed by our pharmacist. Potentially you can receive antibiotics without having to wait.
✅No GP appointment needed
You can walk in to the pharmacy when it suits you best. Our pharmacists are trained to provide you with advice and treatment on the spot.
✅NHS funded service
This service is funded by the NHS. For eligible patients this service is offered for free.
✅Fast access to expert advice
You wil receive trusted, professional care and potentially receive treatment on the same day