Sinusitis: What a Pharmacist Can Do Without a GP Appointment

Sinusitis usually follows a cold

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, most often after a cold. The typical picture is facial pain or pressure, a blocked or runny nose, reduced sense of smell, and pain that is worse when you lean forward.

Most cases are viral and settle within two to three weeks without antibiotics. Under Pharmacy First a pharmacist can assess it, advise on what genuinely helps, and supply treatment where the assessment supports it.

What actually helps

Saline rinses or sprays clear the nasal passages and are more useful than most people expect. Decongestants can help for a few days but should not be used for longer as symptoms rebound. Pain relief taken regularly makes the days more bearable.

For symptoms lasting beyond ten days without improvement, a steroid nasal spray is often the more effective step, and the pharmacist can advise on this.

When to seek more urgent help

Swelling or redness around the eye, severe headache with a stiff neck, visual changes or confusion need urgent medical attention rather than pharmacy treatment. These are uncommon but important.

Walk in when it suits

Village Green Pharmacy is at 1095–1097 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 6QT and open Monday to Saturday 9am–9pm and Sunday 10am–8pm.