Your sinuses are small spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead. When they become inflamed, usually after a cold, it is called sinusitis.
Cold or sinusitis?
- A cold usually brings a runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat, and gets better within about 7 to 10 days.
- Sinusitis often follows a cold. Signs include pain, swelling or pressure around your cheeks, eyes or forehead, a blocked nose, thick nasal discharge, a reduced sense of smell and sometimes a high temperature or toothache.
Most sinusitis clears up on its own within two to three weeks.
What helps at home
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or a high temperature, following the pack instructions.
- Hold a warm, damp cloth over your face for a few minutes to ease pain.
- Rinse the inside of your nose with a saline solution.
- Avoid allergy triggers and do not smoke.
How Pharmacy First can help
Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, adults and children aged 12 and over can see a pharmacist about sinusitis without a GP appointment. We will assess your symptoms and offer advice and treatment, which may include a nasal spray, or antibiotics only if they are clinically needed.
You can book online or walk in to our Bristol Road pharmacy. Some NHS services can also be accessed remotely from our campus branch when clinically appropriate.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have swelling or redness around your eyes, changes to your vision, a severe headache, a stiff neck, or you become confused. See a GP if your symptoms last more than three weeks or keep coming back.
Questions? Pop into our Bristol Road pharmacy or Selly Pharmacy in Campus, call 0121 472 0155, WhatsApp 07425 614023 or email hello@sellypharmacy.co.uk.
This article is general health information and does not replace advice from a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional.