Sinusitis

Sinusitis (sinus infection)

Check if you have sinusitis

• pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
• a blocked nose
• a reduced sense of smell
• green or yellow mucus from your nose
• a sinus headache
• a high temperature
• toothache
• bad breath
• Signs of sinusitis in young children may also include irritability, difficulty feeding, and breathing through their mouth.

• getting plenty of rest
• drinking plenty of fluids
• taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
• avoiding allergic triggers and not smoking
• cleaning your nose with a salt water solution to ease congestion
• 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.

How to clean your nose with a homemade salt water solution

• decongestant nasal sprays or drops to unblock your nose (decongestants should not be taken by children under 6)
• salt water nasal sprays or solutions to rinse out the inside of your nose
• You can buy nasal sprays without a prescription, but they should not be used for more than 1 week

• your symptoms are severe
• painkillers do not help or your symptoms get worse
• your symptoms do not improve after 1 week
• you keep getting sinusitis

Sinusitis: do I need antibiotics?

Sinusitis is a common infection after a cold or flu and is usually caused by a virus. Symptoms include pain around the eyes or cheeks, a blocked nose, headaches and a temperature. People usually get better within 2 to 3 weeks without antibiotics.

Using antibiotics when they are not needed means they may not work as well in the future. This is a serious health risk so NICE has written advice about when to offer antibiotics for some common conditions.

Most people with sinusitis won’t be offered antibiotics because:

• Your sinusitis will normally get better within 2 to 3 weeks whether you take antibiotics or not.
• Only about 10 out of every 100 people with sinusitis benefit from an antibiotic and the benefit is small.
• The chances of an antibiotic helping your symptoms are about the same as your chances of getting side effects like nausea and diarrhoea.

Talk to your local pharmacist about other ways to help with symptoms, such as taking painkillers. You may like to try nasal decongestants or cleaning the inside of your nose with saline solution, although not enough research has been done to prove that these treatments work.

You will be prescribed antibiotics if you need them, such as if you are very unwell or are at risk of complications. In some cases the prescriber may talk to you about a back-up antibiotic prescription. You can use this to get an antibiotic if you don’t start to feel better after a few more days, or start to feel worse.

How to look after yourself and your family.

• Have plenty of rest.
• Drink enough fluids to avoid feeling thirsty.
• Ask your local pharmacist to recommend medicines to help your symptoms or pain (or both).
• Fever is a sign the body is fighting the infection and usually gets better by itself in most cases. You can use paracetamol if you or your child are uncomfortable as a result of a fever.
• Use a tissue and wash your hands with soap to help prevent spread of your infection to your family, friends and others you meet.

When to get help

If you or your child has any of these symptoms, are getting worse or are sicker than you would expect (even if your/their temperature falls), trust your instincts and seek medical advice urgently from NHS 111 or your GP. If a child under the age of 5 has any of symptoms 1–3 go to A&E immediately or call 999.

• If your skin is very cold or has a strange colour, or you develop an unusual rash.
• If you have new feelings of confusion, or drowsiness, or have slurred speech.
• If you have difficulty breathing. Signs that suggest breathing problems can be: breathing quickly, turning blue around the lips and the skin below the mouth, skin between or above the ribs getting sucked or pulled in with every breath
• If you develop a severe headache and are sick.
• If you develop chest pain.
• If you have difficulty swallowing or are drooling.
• If you cough up blood.
• If you are passing little or no urine.
• If you are feeling a lot worse.

Less serious signs that can usually wait until the next available medical appointment:

• If you are not starting to improve a little by the time given in ‘Most are better by’.
• Children with middle-ear infection: if fluid is coming out of their ears or they have new deafness.
• Mild side effects such as diarrhoea: seek medical attention if you are concerned.

• Colds, most coughs, sinusitis, ear infections, sore throats, and other infections often get better without antibiotics, as your body can usually fight these infections on its own.
• Taking any antibiotics makes bacteria that live inside your body more resistant. This means that antibiotics may not work when you really need them.
• Antibiotics can cause side effects such as rashes, thrush, stomach pains, diarrhoea, reactions to sunlight, other symptoms; or being sick if you drink alcohol with the antibiotic metronidazole.
• Find out more about how you can make better use of antibiotics and help keep this vital treatment effective by visiting  www.nhs.uk/keepantibioticsworking

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

The symptoms of sinusitis can vary depending on the severity and type of infection. Common symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion or stuffiness
• Thick, discoloured nasal discharge
• Pain and pressure around the face, especially around the nose, eyes, and forehead
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Cough, often worse at night
• Sore throat and postnasal drip
• Ear pain and pressure
• Headache
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Fever (more common in acute sinusitis)

Causes and Risk Factors

Sinusitis can be caused by various factors, including:

• Viral infections, such as the common cold
• Bacterial infections
• Allergies, such as hay fever
• Nasal polyps or tumours
• Deviated nasal septum
• Exposure to irritants like smoke, pollution, and strong chemicals

Certain conditions and lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing sinusitis, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, immune system disorders, and smoking.

Diagnosis and treatment of Sinusitis

Diagnosis of sinusitis typically involves a physical examination, review of symptoms, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans. In cases of chronic or recurrent sinusitis, allergy testing or endoscopic examinations may be necessary.

Treatment for sinusitis aims to reduce inflammation, clear the nasal passages, and treat any underlying infection or allergies. Options include:

Over-the-counter decongestants and nasal sprays to relieve congestion
Saline nasal irrigation to flush out mucus
Pain relievers to alleviate sinus pain and headaches
Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Allergy treatments, such as antihistamines or immunotherapy
Surgery for severe cases or structural problems

Pharmacy First Service for Sinusitis

At My Pharmacy, we offer the Pharmacy First service, allowing you to access expert advice and treatment for sinusitis without needing a doctor’s appointment. Our expert pharmacists can assess your symptoms, recommend appropriate treatments, and provide guidance on managing your condition effectively.

Prevention and Self-Care

While it’s not always possible to prevent sinusitis, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and manage symptoms:

Practise good hygiene to prevent infections

Manage allergies with regular treatment and by avoiding triggers

Use a humidifier to keep the air moist and prevent sinus dryness

Stay hydrated to thin mucus and promote drainage

Avoid exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke and pollution

Practise nasal irrigation with saline solutions to keep sinuses clear

Seeking Medical Attention

If your symptoms persist for more than 10 days, worsen, or are accompanied by a high fever, it’s important to seek medical attention. Chronic or recurrent sinusitis may require a referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Contact My Pharmacy for Comprehensive Sinusitis Care

At My Pharmacy, we are dedicated to providing high-quality health services and information to help you manage sinusitis and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Visit us for personalised advice, effective treatments, and support in managing your sinus health.