From knowing the symptoms of sinusitis to treatment & knowing how pharmacists can help, we've got you covered
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis, often referred to as a sinus infection, is the inflammation and swelling of lining of the sinuses. Sinusitis is common and usually clears up by itself in two to three weeks, but if it’s taking a long time to clear, medicines can help.
In sinusitis, the sinus openings become blocked as the lining is inflamed. This stops mucus draining properly, which makes you feel blocked up.
What are the sinuses?
The sinuses are small, air-filled spaces which are found behind your cheekbones and forehead. They’re responsible for filtering and humidifying the air you breathe. They’re also responsible for producing mucus, which helps trap and expel particles, such as dust and bacteria.
This mucus normally drains into your nose, but if you have sinusitis, the mucus can’t be drained as the sinus linings are inflamed. This leads to a build-up of mucus and increased pressure.
What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis can have several causes including:
• Viral infections (most common)
• Bacterial infections (less common)
• An infected tooth (occasionally)
• Fungal infections (occasionally)
Sinusitis can be acute (short-term) or can become chronic (long-lasting). Long-term sinusitis has been linked to:
• Allergies and related conditions which includes allergic rhinitis, hay fever and asthma
• Nasal polyps (growths inside the nose)
• Smoking
• A weakened immune system
Making sure conditions like asthma and allergies are controlled can help improve the symptoms of long-term sinusitis.
Read our tips on managing your asthma, hay fever and allergies.
If you’re still struggling with managing these, speak to your GP or pharmacist for more advice.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
The inflammation of the sinuses can cause a range of symptoms which can vary in severity.
Common symptoms can include:
• A blocked nose
• A green or yellow mucus from your nose
• Pain and tenderness around your eyes, cheeks or forehead
• A sinus headache
• A fever (a high temperature of 38C or more)
• Toothache
• A reduced sense of smell
• Bad breath (halitosis)
If your child has sinusitis, their symptoms can include the above and the following:
• Irritability
• Breathing through their mouth
• Difficulty feeding
• Nasal speech (like they have a stuffy cold)
If you have sinusitis your symptoms will often clear up in a few weeks. If you have long-term sinusitis, symptoms may last for three months or more.
Treating a sinus infection at home
If you or your child have sinusitis, it’s not always necessary to speak to your GP. You may start to feel better within two or three weeks. There are things you can do at home which can help provide relief for mild sinusitis such as:
• Getting plenty of rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Taking over-the-counter pain relief. Some pain relief isn’t suitable for everyone, so it’s important to check the patient information leaflet and read the label before taking them
• Using nasal decongestants. These shouldn’t be used for more than a week as they can make your sinusitis worse
• Holding a warm compress like the Boots Reusable Hot and Cold Compress to your face
• Avoiding allergic triggers and not smoking
You can also try cleaning the inside of your nose regularly with saline solution. Nasal saline solutions are available to purchase or can be made at home. To clean your nose with a homemade salt water solution:
• Boil a pint of water and then leave it to cool down
• Mix one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water
• Wash your hands
• Stand over a sink and pour a small amount of the solution into your hand
• Sniff the water into one nostril at a time while breathing through your mouth and allowing the water to pour back into the sink. Try to avoid letting this water go down the back of your throat
• Repeat the first five steps up to three times a day until your nose feels better
You don’t need to use all the solution, but make sure to make a fresh solution every time you clean your nose.
If you have a high temperature or you don’t feel well enough to go about your day normally, try to stay at home and avoid contact with others until you feel better.
How can a pharmacist help?
Under the new NHS Pharmacy First Service*, our pharmacists are now equipped to provide even more support for your sinusitis concerns.
If you’re experiencing sinusitis symptoms for more than 10 days, with at least two of the following:
• Blocked nose or runny nose
• Facial pain
• Loss or reduction of sense of smell in adults
• Coughing during the day or night in children
Speak to one of our pharmacists before heading to your GP.
No appointment is needed, and we can offer advice and treatment, including prescription medicines where appropriate, for individuals aged 12 and over living in England. It's a convenient option to address minor health concerns without the need for a GP visit.
However, certain criteria and exclusions apply, including pregnant women under 16, individuals with symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks or those who are immunosuppressed.
In some cases, it might be necessary to see your GP, especially if your symptoms are severe, pain relief isn't helping, or if you continue to experience sinusitis. If symptoms persist or worsen after three months or are limited to one side of your face, consult your GP for further evaluation.
It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention at A&E if you have sinusitis and:
• Notice signs of meningitis
• Have a frontal headache
• Experience swelling over the frontal bone
• Have complications like orbital cellulitis, displaced eyeball, and reduced vision
Visit your local Boots pharmacy today for expert advice and treatments to help manage your sinusitis symptoms.
Please note, during busier periods, a pharmacist may not be available and waiting times can vary.
*Supply of treatment is subject to a suitability assessment. In most stores in England only. Subject to availability and store opening hours. Charges may apply.
