Acute Sinusitis - Pharmacy First

Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. It's common and usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks. But medicines can help if it's taking a long time to go away.

Symptoms of sinusitis

Sinusitis is common after a cold or flu.

The main symptoms of sinusitis include:

• 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

Other symptoms include:

• a headache

• toothache

• bad breath

• a cough

• a feeling of pressure in the ears

You may also snore at night and sound nasal when you speak.

Young children may also be irritable, have difficulty feeding and breathe through their mouth.

How you can treat sinusitis yourself

You can usually treat mild sinusitis yourself by:

• getting plenty of rest

• drinking plenty of fluids

• taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)

• avoiding things that trigger your allergies

• not smoking

• cleaning your nose with a salt water solution

If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

See a pharmacist if:

• you think you have sinusitis

• your child is aged 12 years or older and you think they have sinusitis

A pharmacist can give the same treatments as a GP for sinusitis. They can also give advice or direct you to other medical help if needed.