Pharmacy First Sinusitis

Pharmacy First

Written by the Veritas Pharmacy clinical team. Address: 113 Chester Road, Sunderland. Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, registration number 9012617.

Facial pain, a blocked nose, and a headache that will not shift are familiar signs of sinusitis, and a general practitioner appointment is not the only way to get help. Through the National Health Service Pharmacy First scheme, our pharmacist can assess and treat sinusitis directly, by remote video consultation, at no cost to you, with a secure video link emailed to you around 10 minutes before your appointment.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, the small, air-filled spaces around the nose and eyes. It commonly causes facial pain or pressure, particularly around the cheeks and eyes, a blocked or runny nose, a reduced sense of smell, and sometimes a raised temperature or headache.

Most sinusitis is caused by a virus, in the same way as a common cold, and improves by itself, usually within two to three weeks. Only a small proportion of cases are due to a bacterial infection, and this can be genuinely difficult to distinguish from a viral cause based on symptoms alone, which is exactly why a proper clinical assessment is useful rather than guessing at home.

Who can be treated for sinusitis through this service?

This service is available to anyone aged 12 and over. Sinusitis is assessed and treated entirely through our remote video consultation, so you can be seen from wherever you are, without needing to travel to a clinic.

When to seek help elsewhere. Severe symptoms, including swelling or redness around the eye or forehead, a severe headache, visual disturbance, confusion, or a high fever that does not settle, are not assessed through this service. These need prompt attention through your general practitioner, the National Health Service urgent number, or emergency care, since they can occasionally indicate a rare but more serious complication.

What to expect at your appointment

Your pharmacist asks about your symptoms, how long you have had them, and checks for any signs that suggest something other than straightforward sinusitis. Because most sinusitis is viral and settles on its own, the focus for many people is on self-care and pain relief, rather than antibiotics straight away.

Where symptoms have lasted more than ten days, a corticosteroid nasal spray is often recommended as a first step, since this can help settle inflammation without needing antibiotics. Antibiotics are reserved for situations where there are specific signs suggesting a bacterial cause, or where symptoms are more severe or not improving as expected. Your pharmacist will explain clearly which of these applies to you, and why.

How to book your sinusitis appointment

Booking takes a couple of minutes online. This is a remote video consultation, so there is no need to travel to a clinic. A secure video link is emailed to you around 10 minutes before your appointment time. This service is free on the National Health Service.

Ready to book? Same-day slots are usually available.

Book your sinusitis consultation

Or call 0191 503 4053. Address: 113 Chester Road, Sunderland, SR4 7HG.

Frequently asked questions about sinusitis treatment

Is this service free?

Yes, this is a National Health Service funded service, free at the point of use.

Who can use this service for sinusitis?

This service is available to anyone aged 12 and over.

Will I definitely be given antibiotics?

Not necessarily. Most sinusitis is viral and settles on its own. Where symptoms have lasted more than ten days, a corticosteroid nasal spray is often recommended first. Antibiotics are reserved for specific situations, such as signs suggesting a bacterial cause or more severe symptoms.

Is this appointment remote, or can I be seen in person?

All National Health Service Pharmacy First appointments at Veritas Pharmacy, including sinusitis, are delivered remotely by video consultation. A secure video link is emailed to you around 10 minutes before your appointment.

When should I seek help elsewhere rather than booking this service?

Severe symptoms, including swelling or redness around the eye or forehead, a severe headache, visual disturbance, confusion, or a high fever that does not settle, need prompt attention through your general practitioner, the National Health Service urgent number, or emergency care, rather than this service.

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