Sinusitis Service (12+ Years)
Sinusitis can leave you with facial pain, pressure, and congestion that lingers long after a common cold has cleared. At Hubert Figg Pharmacy, our Sinusitis Service allows patients aged 12 and over to be assessed by our pharmacist and, where clinically appropriate, treated on the spot, without the wait for a GP appointment.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, the small air-filled spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead, most often triggered by a cold or other upper respiratory infection. In most cases it is caused by a virus and settles on its own within a couple of weeks, but sometimes a bacterial infection develops, particularly if symptoms last longer or suddenly worsen after initially improving.
Signs to Look Out For
Sinusitis can cause a range of symptoms depending on which sinuses are affected.
| Sign | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Facial pain or pressure, particularly around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead | Often worse when bending forward |
| Blocked or runny nose with thick discharge | Common alongside facial pressure |
| Reduced sense of smell | Can occur when the nasal passages are inflamed and congested |
| Symptoms lasting more than 10 days, or worsening after initially improving | May suggest a bacterial infection rather than a simple viral cold |
How Our Sinusitis Service Works
Our Sinusitis Service is delivered under NHS Pharmacy First, a service available through participating community pharmacies in England. Sinusitis in patients aged 12 and over is one of the seven established Pharmacy First clinical pathways, allowing our pharmacist to assess your symptoms and, where appropriate, treat you without a prior GP appointment. Treatment follows the relevant clinical pathway and, depending on how long you have had symptoms and how they have progressed, may include a nasal spray, pain relief, or an antibiotic where a bacterial infection is likely.
Who Can Use This Service
This service is available to patients aged 12 and over with symptoms consistent with sinusitis. Patients with recurring sinusitis, symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks, or more complex symptoms may be referred on to a GP for further assessment.
| Service | Cost | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sinusitis Assessment and Treatment (NHS Pharmacy First) | Free (NHS-funded, where clinically eligible) | 12 years and over |
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Our pharmacist will ask how long you have had symptoms, how they have changed over time, and whether you have had similar episodes before. They will also check your general health and current medicines. Based on this, they will explain the most suitable treatment, which may include simple self-care measures, a nasal spray, or an antibiotic if the pattern of your symptoms suggests a bacterial infection.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Most sinusitis settles well with appropriate treatment and self-care. However, you should seek urgent medical attention if you develop a severe headache, swelling or redness around one or both eyes, visual changes, confusion, or a high fever that does not settle, as these can be signs of a more serious infection needing immediate assessment. Further general guidance on sinusitis is available from the NHS.
About the NHS Pharmacy First Service
NHS Pharmacy First allows participating community pharmacies in England to assess and manage certain common conditions, including supplying appropriate medicines where the clinical pathway allows. The seven established Pharmacy First clinical pathways cover acute ear infections in children, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in eligible women, with age and eligibility criteria applying to each. You can read more about how the NHS Pharmacy First service works, and the full service specification is published by NHS England.
Why Choose Hubert Figg Pharmacy?
Sinusitis can drag on for weeks if it is not managed properly, and a same-day GP appointment is not always easy to get. Our pharmacists are trained to assess and treat sinusitis confidently, giving you fast access to appropriate treatment when you need it.
Book Your Appointment
If you are struggling with sinusitis symptoms, book an appointment with our pharmacist today, or get in touch if you have any questions first.