Small cavities, filled with air, behind your cheekbones and forehead make up your sinuses. Sinusitis occurs when these areas are swelled, causing an infection, and is therefore quite a common ailment after the cold or flu.  

Previously, help would have only been accessible through a GP, but with Pharmacy First those suffering with sinusitis can seek advice and treatment from a local pharmacist.  

What is sinusitis? 

Sinusitis constitutes of many symptoms that affects numerous areas in the body. However, this mostly disrupts the mucus from draining out of your nose and throat properly, along with other symptoms like: 

• Pain, swelling or tender sensations around your sinuses (cheeks, eyes, or forehead) 
• A blocked or runny nose  
• A reduced sense of smell 
• Green or yellow mucus from your nose 
• A high temperature  
• Headache 
• Toothache 
• Bad breath 
• A cough 
• Pressure in the ears 

Who can get sinusitis? 

Sinusitis can affect anyone at any age however, the frequency of experiencing this infection varies. Mild cases can be treated with medication or with at-home remedies, compared to those who may need specialist treatment due to experiencing this infection on a regular basis. 

Why do I get sinusitis?  

The root cause of sinusitis is the common cold and flu spreading through the sinuses. Rarely, is this infection caused by a bacterium however, it is still considered to be a cause. 

When does sinusitis go away? 

As this sinus infection is regarded as a common ailment, it can naturally heal without the need of treatment. However, this will typically occur within four weeks. Yet, if you are feeling as though you are taking too long to recover, there are a variety of treatments available that can boost recovery.  

For mild cases of sinusitis, some examples of at-home remedies include: 

• Plenty of sleep  
• Drinking lots of fluids  
• Taking painkillers – paracetamol and ibuprofen 
• Avoiding what can trigger your allergies  
• Not smoking  
• Cleaning your nose with a saltwater solution 
• Staying at home and avoiding contact with other people 

How can Pharmacy First help? 

Pharmacy First enables individuals who are 12 years and older, to consult with a pharmacist for advice on medication that is appropriate, based on the severity of the infection. For instance, at Allied Pharmacies our pharmacists can recommend medication like a nasal spray, drops or solutions such as:  

• Decongestant nasal sprays or drops for unclogging your nose 
• Salt water nasal sprays or solutions to rinse out the inside of the nose 

Further advice and treatment are available to you at your nearest pharmacy without the need for an appointment, or the wait to be seen. 

Where do I go for help? 

Wherever you are, whether it be at home or the park, you can easily find your nearest Allied Pharmacy on our website by typing in your postcode. Once you have entered in your location, our map will zoom in and show our nearest pharmacy to you. There is no need to worry about booking an appointment or giving us a heads up before your visit, as with Pharmacy First, our pharmacists will be ready to assist you.