If you are aged 12 or over and think you have sinusitis, you can see a pharmacist instead of your GP. Under the NHS Pharmacy First service the pharmacist assesses your symptoms and offers advice, and medicine if it is right for you.
Reviewed by Benjamin Rawthore, Pharmacist Manager and Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2215432). Last reviewed .
Common signs
- 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, or a high temperature
What the pharmacist does
- Asks how long you have had your symptoms and how they started
- Advises on what helps while it clears, as most sinusitis gets better on its own
- Offers medicine if it is right for you under the NHS pathway
- Tells you if you need to see a GP or someone else, and helps you get there
The consultation is free on the NHS. The usual prescription charges apply to any medicine you are given, unless you get free prescriptions.
Questions people ask
Do I need antibiotics for sinusitis?
Usually not. Most sinusitis is caused by a virus and gets better on its own. The pharmacist checks whether treatment will help you.
Do I have to pay?
The consultation is free on the NHS. The usual prescription charges apply to any medicine you are given, unless you get free prescriptions.
Will my GP practice know?
Yes. The pharmacist updates your GP record after the consultation, so your notes stay complete.