Get Treated for Sinusitis

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Learn More About the Medications That Can Treat Sinusitis
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Sinusitis Key Facts
Sinuses are small air-filled cavities or sacs located throughout the body. The most commonly known Sinuses are those that are located in the skull, near the nose. There are four paired cavities which are connected by narrow passages. These cavities are located between the eyes and behind the forehead, nose, and cheekbones.
Sinusitis or sinus infection is a medical term used to describe the inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinuses and is usually caused by an infection or irritants like allergens.
Sinusitis is fairly common and most cases usually resolve within 2-3 weeks and don’t require any treatment.
What are the causes of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can be caused by:
Infections
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.
Irritants
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
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.
Structural problems
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.
What are the symptoms of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is characterised by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus
- Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat)
- Blocked or stuffy nose
- Pressure around your nose, eyes and forehead, which gets worse when you move your head around or bend over
- Pressure or pain in your teeth
- Pressure or pain in your ears
- High temperature (Fever)
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Cough
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Sounding nasal when speaking
Is Sinusitis contagious?
Sinusitis itself is not contagious. However, the viruses and bacteria that can cause it are. Always follow good handwashing and personal hygiene practices.
When to get advice from a GP
You should contact your GP if you suspect you have Sinusitis and you have:
- Had four or more annual episodes without persistent symptoms in the
- intervening periods
- symptoms that last for more than 12 weeks (indicates possible Chronic Sinusitis)
- An anatomic defect(s) causing nasal obstruction
- Nasal polyps
Check if you qualify for FREE treatment with NHS Pharmacy First, without seeing your GP
You can check your eligibility to use the NHS Pharmacy First service if you suspect you have Sinusitis and you:
- Are 18 years or over
The NHS Pharmacy First service may be suitable if you have:
- Nasal blockage (obstruction/congestion) OR
- Nasal discharge (anterior/posterior nasal drip)
AND ONE or more of the following:
- Facial pain/pressure (or headache) OR
- Reduction (or loss) of the sense of smell (in adults) OR
- altered speech indicating nasal obstruction, and tenderness, swelling or redness over the cheekbone or periorbital areas
- Symptoms that have been present for 10 days or more with little improvement
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.
What NHS Pharmacy First treatments are available for Sinusitis?
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:
- Steroid nasal sprays or drops to reduce the swelling in your sinuses
- Antibiotics. However, this is not common as sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, not bacteria
Mild Sinusitis can be treated without seeing a GP by:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking analgesia like paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
- Avoiding triggers like certain allergens
- Avoid smoking
- Cleaning your nose with a saltwater solution
- Using over-the-counter remedies like decongestant nasal sprays or drops that can unblock your nose
- Using antihistamines, if the cause of your Sinusitis is an allergy
To clean your nose with a saltwater solution, use the following method:
- Boil a pint of water
- Let the water cool
- Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt with 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water.
- Now wash your hands
- While standing over a sink, cup the palm of 1 hand and our a small amount of the solution you made, into it
- Sniff the water into one nostril. Then breathe through your mouth and allow the water to pour back into the sink. Avoid letting the water trickle to the back of your throat
- Repeat the steps above, 3 times a day until your symptoms are more comfortable
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:
- Still have sinusitis after 3 months of treatment
- Keep getting sinusitis
- Only have symptoms on 1 side of your face
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Related Articles
Service Guide
Everything You Need to Know About NHS Pharmacy First Eligibility for Sinusitis
What is NHS Pharmacy First Service for Sinusitis and how does it work?
If you are aged 18 years and over, and registered with the NHS in England, you may qualify for a FREE remote video consultation and treatment for Sinusitis, without having to see your GP.
NHS Pharmacy First is available to ALL NHS patients in England and will allow you to get treated for Sinusitis with prescription-only medications, without having to visit your GP or obtain a prescription.
If treatments are prescribed, they are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from NowPatient’s online pharmacy.
The FREE service is subject to an eligibility screen.
Do you treat Sinusitis through NHS Pharmacy First?
Yes. We also treat the following other conditions:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throats
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
Is the NHS Pharmacy First Service for Sinusitis safe for me to use?
Yes. The NHS Pharmacy First Service is classified as a Class I medical device under UK MDR 2002 regulations, for its intended use. It also complies with NHS standards DTAC, DCB 0160 & DCB 0129.
How much does the service cost?
This is a FREE service for NHS-registered users in England. If you are prescribed medication for Sinusitis at the end of your assessment and you are not exempt from NHS prescription charges, then you will need to pay a single NHS prescription charge. If you are exempt from prescription charges, for example, if you are on Income Support or aged over 60, then you will not be charged.
Will you have access to my GP records?
Yes, as an NHS patient, our clinicians will be able to access your GP record including medications, observations, and investigations. This ensures our clinicians are able to assess you appropriately.
Is the service secure when conducted remotely?
Yes. NowPatient operates from a HIPAA, DTAC, and Cyber Essentials Plus certified compliant platform that assures the highest levels of information security and allows us to safely handle PHI (Patient Health Information). Clinicians who access our systems do so on a zero-trust basis backed with SSO technologies.
How can I be sure the service is provided by a qualified and trustworthy clinician?
Our clinicians are board-certified pharmacists who are qualified to prescribe selected medications for Sinusitis, as outlined by the NHS.
Each clinician is registered with the appropriate regulatory body—for example, pharmacists are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). All clinicians undergo thorough background checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as well as a comprehensive license verification process. When you book an appointment, you’ll be able to view the clinician’s full name, license number, and any specialist credentials.
The medications and conditions our clinicians can prescribe and treat is strictly governed, risk-assessed, and regularly reviewed in line with NHS guidelines. Our service is delivered via remote video consultations (synchronous consultations), which help ensure clinical safety and appropriate prescribing. Please note that medication is not guaranteed and is provided only at the discretion of the assessing clinician.
Do I need to provide any consents before the NHS Pharmacy First Consultation for Sinusitis?
During the virtual consultation for Sinusitis, we will obtain a consent from you for providing this service. This is required so we can communicate with your GP and provide information to NHS England, NHS Improvement, and the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) if required.
Is the service available in the United States and the United Kingdom?
No. At the moment, it is only available in England.
Can I use NowPatient’s NHS Pharmacy First Service for Sinusitis if I live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
This service is commissioned by NHS England and is only available to patients in England. You will not be able to use the feature if you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
How do I use the NHS Pharmacy First Service for treating Sinusitis?
Navigate to the NHS Pharmacy First Service Card which can be found in the ‘NHS Hub’ section of the account homepage.
Choose ‘Select Condition’ from the Options Menu on the NHS Pharmacy First Service Card and follow the steps below:
Step 1 – Choose Sinusitis you would like to treat and click ‘Check Eligibility’
Step 2 – Using the AI Chat Bot, answer the questions presented to determine your eligibility for the service. If you qualify, you’ll be prompted to book a consultation. Click on the ‘Book Consultation’ button to proceed. If you do not qualify, we will signpost you to the right NHS care provider or service.
Step 3 – Now follow the instructions below to complete your booking
What happens during the NHS Pharmacy First Service remote video consultation?
During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to assess your Sinusitis and potential treatment options. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment is a safe and suitable option for you.
If it is, the clinician will discuss the various treatment options that may be available, so that you can jointly agree on the option that is most suited to you. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription order.
Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your doctor of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your doctor is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.
What happens after my NHS Pharmacy First Service remote video consultation for Sinusitis?
You may be sent a short survey asking you about your experience attending your remote video consultation. We encourage you to complete this as it provides us with valuable feedback to improve your experience in the future. It’s helpful for us if you point out things that didn’t go well, and suggest ways of improving the experience for you and others.
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise you if any referrals were made to your doctor, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician. You will be notified of the summary via an In-App and Push notification. Once you receive the notification, navigate to ‘Notifications’ on the account homepage and you will be able to view it.
What happens if I’ve been prescribed a treatment for Sinusitis?
If your attending clinician prescribes a treatment for Sinusitis during the virtual consultation, you will be informed at that time. To complete your checkout, please follow the steps outlined below.
What status updates do I get after I place my order?
NowPatient uses a structured notification system for all orders, ensuring you’re consistently informed about your order status every step of the way.
You can expect status update notifications through the following channels:
- In-App
How will my order be delivered?
All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour).
For thermo-sensitive orders we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.
For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.
Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?
Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver to all postcodes in England. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.
When will my order arrive?
We aim to ship all orders placed Monday – Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed outside these times will be shipped the next working day. All deliveries are shipped by Royal Mail, which delivers Monday through Saturday in the UK.
Our delivery options have the following delivery times (England Only):
- Royal Mail Standard Tracked & Signed for Delivery for NHS prescriptions – 2/3 day delivery (normally 48 hours)
- DHL Express Tracked Delivery – 1/2 day delivery (normally 24 hours)
- Royal Mail Special Delivery – Next working day (Royal Mail Guaranteed before 1pm)
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your order in the ‘Notification Feed’ section of the dashboard, at any point after dispatch.
Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system. If after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.