Who this is for
Adults and children aged 12 and over. If you fall outside this, we can still give advice and point you to the right care.
About sinusitis
Acute sinusitis usually comes on after a cold or other viral infection and clears up within about 2 to 3 weeks. Because it is nearly always viral, antibiotics are not normally needed and often do not help.
Symptoms and what to look out for
Common signs include:
- Pain, swelling or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
- A blocked or runny nose
- A reduced sense of smell
- Green or yellow mucus from your nose
- Sinus pain that feels worse when you bend forwards
- Sometimes a raised temperature, toothache or bad breath
In line with NICE guidance, a pharmacist will usually recommend self-care first. If your symptoms have lasted around 10 days or more without improving, we may offer a steroid nasal spray, and antibiotics only where they are genuinely appropriate.
When to get help urgently
Seek urgent help
Sinusitis is rarely serious, but see help urgently if you have any of the following, as they can point to a spreading infection:
- Swelling or redness around one or both eyes
- A severe headache at the front of your head
- A stiff neck, or sensitivity to light
- Double vision or other changes to your eyesight
- Confusion, or being very drowsy
- Symptoms that are getting rapidly worse, or you feel very unwell
Call NHS 111 for advice, or 999 / go to A&E if symptoms are severe.
What to expect from the consultation
You will be seen in our private consultation room — a room with a door, not the shop floor. The consultation itself is always free.
- The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and how long you have had them, and examine your face and nose if needed.
- They will explain whether it is likely viral or would benefit from treatment.
- You may be given self-care advice, a steroid nasal spray, or antibiotics where appropriate.
- If it falls outside the service or needs a GP, we will tell you and refer you.
If we supply a medicine and you pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies — the same as at your GP. If you are exempt from prescription charges, it is free.
Book a consultation
Book a sinusitis consultation
Choose how you would like to be seen. Both options use our online calendar — pick a time that suits you. Walk-ins are welcome too.
Phone consultation
Speak to a pharmacist over the phone. Good for advice and for situations that may not need a physical examination.
Face-to-face at the pharmacy
Come in and be seen in our private consultation room at 44 Malabar Road. Best if we may need to examine you.
Prefer to talk to us first? Call 0116 360 2000.
Sources
The information on this page is based on current NHS and NICE guidance for Pharmacy First:
- NHS — Sinusitis (sinus infection)
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries — Sinusitis
- NHS — Pharmacy First service
Guidance reviewed for this page in September 2026. Always follow the advice of the pharmacist who assesses you.
This page is general information
It isn't a substitute for advice from a pharmacist or doctor about your own health. Please read our disclaimer. If you're unwell and need urgent help, call NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.