Sinusitis & Nasal Congestion

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis refers to the swelling of the sinuses. The sinuses are small, empty cavities that can be found behind your cheekbones and forehead, connecting to the inside of the nose. Sinusitis can cause the lining of the sinuses to swell, which in turn prevents mucus from draining into your nose and throat.

Sinusitis is a common condition that is usually caused by an infection, such as a cold or the flu. It often clears up on its own within two to three weeks, but there are effective sinusitis treatments available that can help alleviate your symptoms if it’s taking a long time to go away. 

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

The main symptoms are:

• Pain, tenderness and swelling in the face, mainly around your cheeks, eyes and forehead
• Nasal congestion
• Green or yellow coloured mucus from the nose
• A headache
• A high temperature
• A reduced sense of smell
• Tooth pain
• Bad breath

In young children, you may notice symptoms such as difficulty feeding, irritability and breathing through their mouth rather than the nose. 

Who qualifies for a Pharmacy First Sinusitus condition appointment? 

• Patients registered with a GP
• Individuals with the symptoms listed above
• Ages 12 years and over

What causes sinusitis?

• It is often the result of a cold or flu virus that has spread to the sinuses. In a small number of cases, it can be caused by bacteria infecting the sinuses. 
• Other infections can be to blame for sinusitis, such as an infected tooth or a fungal infection which can cause the sinuses to become inflamed. 
• Sometimes, sinusitis can become chronic. It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause behind chronic sinusitis, but it can be linked to allergies and other similar conditions, including asthma and hay fever. It’s thought that it can also be triggered by smoking, and that those with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to developing chronic sinusitis. 

How to avoid a sinus infection

You can avoid developing an infection by:

• Washing your hands regularly with soap and water
• Keeping your allergies well managed
• Avoiding irritants such as smoke and pollution
• Living a healthy lifestyle so that you’re able to maintain a strong immune system 

How to treat sinusitis

You should be able to treat mild cases of sinusitis yourself by:

• Making sure you get plenty of rest
• Drinking lots of fluids
• Taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Avoiding situations that may trigger your symptoms
• Not smoking
• Cleaning your nose using a salt water solution – this can ease congestion

How can Pharmacy+Health help?

If you’re suffering with sinusitis, and you’re struggling to alleviate your symptoms, speak to the team at your local Pharmacy+Health branch today for advice on further treatment for sinusitis. 

As part of the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists are able to assess your symptoms and recommend effective sinus infection medication. Our highly trained healthcare professionals will ensure the type of sinusitis medicine they suggest is suitable for you based on your symptoms and personal health.

There’s no need to speak to your GP beforehand – our team is able to recommend medication for sinusitis that has been specifically designed to ease your pain and discomfort, including decongestant nasal sprays, drops and tablets. Under this NHS scheme, we can offer a range of effective treatment options including antibiotics for sinusitis that you’d usually only be able to access via prescription. Simply visit us at your local branch to find out more about our sinus infection treatment options. 

Find your local Pharmacy+Health for more information about the sinusitis medicine and nasal congestion treatments we offer. 

Book a pharmacy first appointment today

Our fully qualified healthcare experts are here to help you if you or your loved ones suffers from Sinusitis. We provide consultation appointments and treatments for Sinusitis and many other common health conditions. Our expert pharmacists provide clinical advice and will recommend the most suitable treatment for you.

So, for information, advice and Sinusitis treatment, book a pharmacy appointment with us today. We’re here to make accessing healthcare quicker, easier and more convenient.