Sinusitis treatment in Southport — free NHS service

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses — the hollow spaces in your skull behind your nose and cheeks. It usually develops after a cold and causes a blocked nose, facial pain or pressure, and thick mucus. Most cases are caused by a virus and clear up within 2–3 weeks without treatment, but some cases need antibiotics.

Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess your symptoms, check whether antibiotics are appropriate, and prescribe them if needed — without you needing a GP appointment.

Symptoms of sinusitis

• Blocked or runny nose (often thick, coloured mucus)
• Pain, pressure, or tenderness around your cheeks, forehead, or eyes
• Headache — often worse when bending forward
• Reduced sense of smell
• Toothache in the upper jaw
• Feeling generally unwell, with a mild fever

How we treat it

Treatment depends on whether sinusitis is viral or bacterial:

• Saline nasal rinses — help to clear mucus and reduce inflammation
• Decongestant sprays — short-term relief of blockage (max 7 days)
• Steroid nasal spray — reduces inflammation over time
• Antibiotics (amoxicillin or doxycycline) if bacterial sinusitis is likely or symptoms are severe
• Pain relief — paracetamol or ibuprofen for facial pain and headache

What causes sinusitis?

Sinusitis is usually caused by:

• Viral infection — most common. A cold causes swelling that blocks the sinus openings.
• Bacterial infection — can follow a viral sinusitis if bacteria take hold in the blocked sinuses.
• Allergies — hay fever and other allergies can cause chronic or recurring sinusitis.
• Nasal polyps or a deviated septum — structural issues that obstruct drainage.