Sinusitis Treatment and Advice Service
About this service
Sinusitis is a painful swelling of the sinuses, an area inside your nose, usually caused by an infection. It is a common condition that clears up on its own after about 2 to three weeks but you can now visit you local pharmacy and receive treatments to fight the infection or advice to help relieve the symptoms.
Our expert pharmacy teams will assess and can supply treatments for sinusitis in adults and children over 12 years old.
Sinusitis symptoms include:
- pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
- a blocked nose
- a reduced sense of smell
- green or yellow mucus from your nose
- a sinus headache
- a high temperature
- toothache
- bad breath
Our trained pharmacist will ask you a few questions about your infection and the symptoms you have.
They will also check for any other conditions or symptoms that may need them to refer you to another NHS service for further checks.
This is a free NHS service if you are exempt from prescription charges.
Our pharmacy team will also give you other advice and suggest other treatments for the relief of symptoms.
This is a drop-in service but you may want to check with the pharmacy before heading to your local branch.
Our teams on hand to supply treatments for sinusitis in adults and children over 12. Effective treatment options for sinus pain, infected sinus, painful sinus, blocked nose and stuffy noses in Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield, Scunthorpe, South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire with Pharmacy First.
FAQ
What is sinusitis?
The function of the sinuses is to drain mucus through to your nose. When you have sinusitis, the sinuses become blocked due to swelling. The swelling is usually caused by an infection. It is common in the UK that sinusitis will clear up on its own within 2-3 weeks, although it can become a chronic condition.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
• Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion is a stuffy or blocked nose. This is one of the most common symptoms of sinusitis. Nasal congestion can make it difficult to breath.
• Facial pain or pressure: You may feel a fullness or pressure in the face, typically in the forehead, cheeks and around the eyes.
• Sinus headache.
• Toothache.
• Nasal discharge: Nasal discharge is a runny nose. The discharge may be yellow or green in colour.
• Sense of smell: Your sense of smell may be reduced due to the mucus build up.
• Bad breath: The infected mucus can cause bad breath.
• Fever: You may experience a high temperature.
What causes sinusitis?
• Viral infections: Acute sinusitis can be caused by a viral infection such as a cold or flu.
• Bacterial infections: This type of infection may follow from a viral infection.
• Allergies: Allergies relating to air born allergens such as pollen or dust mites can lead to sinusitis.
• Structural abnormalities: Physical blockages or structural issues with the nasal passage can impact the proper drainage of the sinuses.
• Environment: Exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollution or other chemical irritants can cause inflammation of the nasal passage.
• Dental: Dental infections can sometimes extend into sinuses which leads to sinus issues.
How is sinusitis treated?
How do I treat sinusitis at home?
• Getting plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of water
• Use paracetamol or over the counter painkillers (suitable for your age group)
• Avoid allergic reaction triggers.
• Take antihistamines if sinusitis is a result of allergies.
• Don’t smoke.
• Clean your nose with a saltwater solution.
• Use a decongestant nasal spray, drops or tablets.