Sinusitis (sinus infection)
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses — the air-filled spaces behind your cheeks, forehead and nose. It usually follows a cold or flu. Most cases are caused by viruses and clear up without antibiotics, often within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Usually lasts
- Up to 2 to 3 weeks
- Antibiotics
- Only occasionally needed
- Pharmacy First
- Ages 12 and over
Common symptoms
- A blocked or runny nose
- Pain, pressure or tenderness in the face — around the cheeks, eyes or forehead — often worse when you bend forward
- A reduced sense of smell
- Headache
- A cough or sore throat from mucus running down the back of the throat
- Pain in the upper teeth
- Feeling tired, and sometimes a temperature
What you can do yourself
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain if they are suitable for you. Ask us if you are unsure.
- Use a saline (salt water) nasal spray or a sterile saline rinse to help clear the nose.
- Hold a warm flannel against your face for comfort.
- Decongestant nasal sprays can give short-term relief, but follow the leaflet — most say no more than about a week, because using them for longer can make congestion worse. Decongestant tablets are not suitable for everyone, particularly people with high blood pressure or heart conditions, so ask us first.
- Avoid smoke, which can make symptoms worse.
How PRX Pharmacy can help
Through Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can assess sinusitis in anyone aged 12 or over without a GP appointment. They will ask how long you have had symptoms and how severe they are, and check for warning signs.
Depending on your symptoms they may suggest self-care, a nasal spray, or, in some cases, antibiotics. Antibiotics are not usually needed unless symptoms are severe or have lasted around 10 days or more without getting any better.
For children under 12, please contact your GP practice or call 111.
When to get medical help
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- • You have a severe headache with a stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, confusion or unusual drowsiness
- • The area around one eye is swollen, red or hot, especially if you have double vision or find it hard to move the eye
- • Your forehead is swollen
Contact your GP practice or call 111 the same day if:
- • Your symptoms have lasted 10 days or more without improving, or got worse after starting to get better
- • Your symptoms are severe, or you have a high temperature that does not settle
- • You have a blocked nose on one side only that does not go away, or blood-stained discharge from the nose
- • You have a weakened immune system
- • You keep getting sinus infections
- • It is a child under 12
If you are ever worried and unsure, ask us or call 111. Trust your instincts — it is always better to ask.
This guide is general information written by the PRX Pharmacy team. It does not replace advice from a pharmacist or doctor who knows your medical history.
Last updated 24 September 2026. Clinically reviewed by Milan Patel, Pharmacist on 24 September 2026.
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