Sinusitis: NHS Pharmacy First
If you have had sinus pain and a blocked nose for 10 days or more, a pharmacist can assess you through the NHS Pharmacy First service. The service is for people aged 12 and over. Video consultations are for people aged 16 and over; under-16s are seen in our Bury pharmacy.
The consultation is free. If you normally pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies to any medicine supplied.
Who can use this service
You can use Pharmacy First for sinusitis if you are 12 or over and your symptoms have lasted 10 days or more.
The pharmacist will refer you to your GP or another service instead if, for example, you:
- have had symptoms for less than 10 days (most sinusitis gets better on its own)
- have blurred vision or any other change in your vision
- have glaucoma
- already use a steroid medicine (a tablet, inhaler, cream or nasal spray)
- keep getting sinusitis, or have had symptoms for more than 12 weeks
- have a weakened immune system
- tried a steroid nasal spray for this episode and it didn’t help
Symptoms of sinusitis
- pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
- a blocked or runny nose
- a reduced sense of smell
- green or yellow mucus from your nose
- a high temperature
- headache, toothache, bad breath, a cough or pressure in your ears
What happens in the consultation
The pharmacist asks about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them and your general health. Depending on what they find, they may:
- give you self-care advice
- recommend a treatment you can buy, or supply a treatment such as a steroid nasal spray or, in some cases, an antibiotic, where clinically appropriate
- refer you to your GP or another service if you need further help
We tell your GP about your consultation on the same day or the next working day.
Things you can do to help
- rest and drink plenty of fluids
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain (don’t give aspirin to children under 16)
- rinse your nose with a salt water solution, up to 3 times a day
- avoid anything you’re allergic to, and don’t smoke
Sinusitis usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have swelling or redness around your eye, changes in your vision, a severe headache, confusion, or a stiff neck.
Get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you feel very unwell, painkillers don’t help, your symptoms are getting worse, or you have a weakened immune system.
See your GP if you haven’t improved after 7 days of treatment from a pharmacist or GP.
Frequently asked questions
How long does sinusitis last?
Will I get antibiotics for sinusitis?
Can I see a pharmacist for sinusitis by video?
Is the consultation free?
Can my child use this service?
How can I tell if a sinus infection is spreading?
Is sinusitis contagious?
Speak to a pharmacist
Book a free NHS video consultation, call us on 0161 222 1024, or visit us at 46 Walmersley Road, Bury BL9 6DP. Video consultations: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm. Pharmacy opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 7pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm.
Book a free NHS video consultationNHS Pharmacy First at Bury Healthcare Pharmacy
Other conditions: Urinary tract infection (UTI) · Sore throat · Impetigo · Shingles · Infected insect bite · Ear infection
This page is general information about an NHS service and does not replace advice from your GP. Sources: NHS website condition and contraception pages; NHS England Pharmacy First and Pharmacy Contraception Service specifications.