Reviewed by Anna Healthcare, GPhC-registered — 1036459
Blocked nose, throbbing face and no sign of relief? Sinusitis often follows a cold or flu, which makes it more common during winter. Most cases settle without antibiotics, and you may not need a GP appointment to get treatment. This blog explains why sinusitis flares up, what you can do at home and how a pharmacist can help.
Quick answer
Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually following a cold or flu. Mild cases often improve with self-care. Under Pharmacy First, a pharmacist can assess people aged 12 and over and supply treatment when clinically appropriate.
Why Does Sinusitis Flare Up in Winter?
A cold or flu inflames the lining of your sinuses, which blocks mucus drainage and lets pressure build. Sinusitis is common after a cold or flu, and both spread more in winter, so more people end up with swollen, blocked sinuses.
What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis often causes pain, swelling and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead. You might also notice:
- a sinus headache
- a blocked nose with thick yellow or green mucus
- a reduced sense of smell
How Can You Tell Sinusitis From a Cold?
A cold mainly affects your nose and throat, while sinusitis adds facial pain and pressure that linger.
- Cold: sneezing, sore throat and a runny nose that usually improve within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Sinusitis: tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead, with congestion that persists or gets worse.
How Can You Get Blocked Sinus Relief at Home?
Rest, painkillers and a saline nasal rinse ease most mild sinusitis, making them the first step in sinusitis treatment without antibiotics.
- paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, following the instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to children under 16
- a saline rinse made with boiled and cooled water, or a pharmacy sachet
- a warm flannel held against your face
- plenty of rest and fluids
- avoiding allergy triggers that may worsen your symptoms
Stop using a nasal rinse and ask a pharmacist for advice if it causes pain or bleeding.
Can a Pharmacist Treat a Sinus Infection?
Yes. Through Pharmacy First, a pharmacist can assess sinusitis in people aged 12 and over. They can offer advice and, where appropriate, supply certain prescription medicines without the need for a GP appointment.
What Sinusitis Treatment Can a Pharmacist Provide?
After assessing your symptoms, a pharmacist can recommend self-care or supply treatment when it is clinically appropriate. This may include:
- a steroid nasal spray to reduce swelling
- antihistamines if allergies are causing your symptoms
- antibiotics, only if clinically appropriate
Antibiotics are not usually needed and may be considered if symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement or are severe.
When Should You See a GP Instead?
See a GP if your symptoms have not improved after three weeks of self-care or if you keep getting sinusitis. You should also seek medical advice if:
- symptoms affect only one side of your face
- symptoms last three months or longer, which may indicate chronic sinusitis
- painkillers do not help, or your symptoms get worse
If symptoms worsen rapidly or you feel very unwell, seek urgent medical advice through your GP or NHS 111. Swelling around the eyes, changes in vision or a severe headache need urgent assessment.
Where Can You Get Sinus Infection Treatment?
Book online or visit your nearest Anna Pharmacy branch. A pharmacist will assess you in a short consultation, with no GP referral needed.
- Book online or visit your nearest branch.
- Describe your symptoms, how long you have had them and any medicines you take.
- Receive appropriate treatment and advice, or a referral if further care is needed.
Get Sinusitis Treatment at Anna Pharmacy
Blocked sinuses can make everyday life uncomfortable. Book a sinusitis consultation or visit Anna Pharmacy in Carshalton, Hackbridge or Tudor for an assessment under the NHS Pharmacy First service.
Our pharmacists can recommend suitable treatment or refer you for further care if needed. Find out more about our sinusitis treatment service or contact your nearest branch to discuss your symptoms.
Medical disclaimer: This article offers general information only and does not replace advice from a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111. If you are worried about your symptoms, seek help promptly. In an emergency, call 999.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinusitis Treatment
Q. Do antibiotics work for sinus infections?
Ans. Rarely. Most sinusitis is viral, and the University of Oxford reports that antibiotics shorten symptoms by less than a day on average. A pharmacist will only supply them when they are clinically appropriate.
Q. Is sinusitis contagious?
Ans. Sinusitis itself is not usually passed on, but the cold or flu virus that triggers it can spread. Washing your hands and covering coughs and sneezes protects others.
Q. Can a pharmacist treat sinusitis in children?
Ans. The Pharmacy First sinusitis service is for ages 12 and over. For younger children, speak to a GP, and call NHS 111 for advice about a child under 5, as the NHS advises.
Q. Can allergies cause sinusitis?
Ans. Yes. Allergies and nasal polyps can contribute, particularly when sinusitis keeps returning. Avoiding your triggers and keeping allergies controlled can reduce flare-ups, and a pharmacist can recommend suitable antihistamines.
Q. Is sinusitis treatment at a pharmacy free?
Ans. The consultation is an NHS service. NHS prescription charges apply where you would normally pay for a medicine, and the usual exemptions apply.
Q. Can I use a decongestant spray for blocked sinuses?
Ans. Only briefly. Decongestant sprays should be limited to about a week, because longer use can worsen congestion. Ask your pharmacist whether one is suitable for you, especially if you take other medicines.