What is acute sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis (also known as rhinosinusitis) is inflammation of the sinuses, usually following a cold or upper respiratory infection. Common symptoms include nasal blockage or discharge, facial pain or pressure, headache, and a reduced sense of smell.

Most cases of acute sinusitis are caused by a viral infection and improve on their own within 2 to 3 weeks. Antibiotics are not usually needed, and early assessment helps determine the most appropriate management.

How Rose Pharmacy can help

At Rose Pharmacy, trained clinicians can assess symptoms of acute sinusitis and determine the most appropriate next steps, in line with NHS Pharmacy First guidance and national clinical standards.

Our approach is assessment-led, ensuring that advice, treatment, or referral is based on clinical need and supports responsible antibiotic use.

NHS Pharmacy First assessment and treatment for sinusitis

NHS Pharmacy First assessment may be available for eligible patients.

If you meet the NHS eligibility criteria, our clinicians may be able to assess your symptoms under the NHS Pharmacy First service and decide whether treatment, advice, or referral is appropriate.

Eligibility depends on several factors, including:

• age

• how long symptoms have been present

• symptom severity

• whether symptoms are improving or worsening

• medical history

Many people with sinusitis can be managed safely with self-care and reassurance alone.

If NHS eligibility criteria are not met

If NHS eligibility criteria are not met, our clinicians may still be able to help.

In these situations, we can offer a separate private consultation, where a clinician will assess your symptoms and discuss the most appropriate next steps. This may include:

• advice and reassurance

• self-care and symptom relief guidance

• private prescribing where clinically appropriate, or

• referral to your GP or hospital services if further assessment is required

All options, including any costs, are explained clearly so patients or parents can make an informed decision.

When urgent medical care is needed

Some symptoms are not suitable for Pharmacy First management and require urgent medical assessment.

Please seek urgent medical advice if you or your child has:

• swelling around the eyes, eyelids, or forehead

• visual changes, double vision, or eye pain

• severe or worsening headache

• high fever or signs of serious illness

• confusion, drowsiness, or neck stiffness

• symptoms of sepsis (such as fast breathing, fast heart rate, or confusion)

• persistent symptoms affecting only one side of the face or nose

In these cases, our team will advise urgent GP review, A&E attendance, or calling 999, depending on the situation.

What happens during a consultation?

During your consultation, a clinician will:

• assess your symptoms and medical history

• check for signs that require referral

• determine whether NHS Pharmacy First management is appropriate

• provide advice on symptom relief and self-care

• explain whether treatment, private care, or referral is the safest option

Where pharmacy treatment is not appropriate, we ensure patients are guided promptly and safely to the right level of care.

Self-care advice for sinusitis

Our clinicians may provide advice on:

• staying well hydrated

• rest and recovery

• appropriate pain relief where suitable

• nasal hygiene measures where appropriate

• monitoring symptoms over time

Clear safety-netting advice is given so you know when to seek further help if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

Why choose Rose Pharmacy?

Patients and families choose Rose Pharmacy because we offer:

• calm, supportive consultations

• structured clinical assessment using recognised pathways

• clear explanations and transparent care options

• responsible antibiotic stewardship

• safe decision-making, including referral when needed

Book an assessment or speak to our team

If you have ongoing or worsening sinus symptoms and are unsure what to do, early advice can help.

Visit Rose Pharmacy or speak to a member of our team to arrange an assessment and discuss the most appropriate care.

The age range for this condition is 12 years and over.

NHS Pharmacy First assessment and treatment are subject to eligibility criteria. Private consultations are separate services and are offered only where clinically appropriate.