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Sinusitis is characterised by one or more of the following symptoms:
To clean your nose with a saltwater solution, use the following method:
You should contact your GP if you suspect you have Sinusitis and you have:
Sinusitis can be caused by:
Most adults will get colds or upper respiratory tract infections up to three times a year. Both viral and bacterial infections cause swelling of the tissues inside the nose and thickening of the normal mucus. This slows down or even stops proper sinus drainage and infection in the sinus may ensue.
Air pollution, smoke and chemical irritants, for example, some sprays containing pesticides, disinfectants and household detergents, may cause swelling and blockage of the lining of the nose causing a narrowing of the drainage opening from the sinuses. This can once again lead to impairment of sinus drainage and consequent infection.
Allergies can cause inflammation inside the nose. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include nasal stuffiness, runny nose, sneezing and itchy watery eyes. Allergies are responsible for asthma in some patients and may also cause nasal stuffiness making the asthma more difficult to control.
Occasionally structural problems within the nasal cavity can cause a narrowing. Some of these can as a result of trauma while others may develop during the growth period. Occasionally the structural narrowing can be so severe that mucus builds up behind these areas of blockage giving rise to sinus infection.
Sinusitis itself is not contagious. However, the viruses and bacteria that can cause it are. Always follow good handwashing and personal hygiene practices.
You can check your eligibility to use the NHS Pharmacy First service if you suspect you have Sinusitis and you:
The NHS Pharmacy First service may be suitable if you have:
AND ONE or more of the following:
The NHS Pharmacy First service is available to all NowPatient users who are registered with the NHS in England. If you are exempt from paying for your prescriptions, the service and the treatments are provided free of charge. If you are not exempt from paying prescription charges, treatments are provided at the prevailing NHS prescription charge rate. There is no charge for consultations.
If your Sinusitis symptoms persist for more than 10 days and you do not have a weakened immune system due to a particular health condition or medication that suppresses your immune system, then you may qualify to be treated under the NHS Pharmacy First service.
If the Pharmacy First clinician suspects that your Sinusitis needs treatment, then they may prescribe the following medications:
If your Sinusitis does not resolve, you should contact your GP who may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if you:
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