Sinusitis Treatment — NHS Pharmacy First Service
Suffering from facial pain, a blocked nose, or pressure around your eyes and forehead? You may have sinusitis. Our GPhC-registered pharmacists at NewGen Pharmacy can assess your symptoms and assess your symptoms and, if clinically appropriate, supply treatment or advice under the NHS Pharmacy First service — without a GP appointment. This service is available for adults and children aged 12 and over.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses — the air-filled spaces in the skull behind the cheeks, forehead, and nose — become inflamed or infected. Most cases are caused by a viral infection following a cold, and resolve without antibiotics. In some cases, a bacterial infection may develop, requiring antibiotic treatment. Our pharmacists assess your symptoms following NICE guideline NG79 to determine the most appropriate treatment.
- Facial pain or pressure — particularly around the cheeks, forehead, or eyes
- Blocked or runny nose, often with thick, discoloured mucus
- Headache or pressure behind the eyes
- Reduced or lost sense of smell
- Toothache or jaw pain
- Feeling of fullness in the ears
- Generally feeling unwell, tired, or feverish
Self-Care for Sinusitis
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help thin mucus
- Use a warm compress or face pack over the affected areas to ease pain
- Use saline nasal rinses or sprays to help clear the nasal passages
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed to manage pain and fever
- Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water (take care to avoid burns)
- Decongestant nasal sprays can provide short-term symptom relief — do not use for more than 7 days
Call us or use our online consultation to check whether you are suitable for sinusitis treatment under NHS Pharmacy First. Our GPhC-registered pharmacist will review your symptoms and provide advice or treatment following NICE guideline NG79.
Who is this Service Suitable for?
Adults and children aged 12 years and over with recent onset (<10 days) mild to moderate acute sinusitis
Seek urgent help if you have a very high fever, severe one-sided headache, swelling around the eye, vision changes, or a stiff neck — these may indicate a serious complication. Call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
About Our Services
Is this NHS pharmacy service free?
Most of our services are NHS-funded and free at the point of use. However, standard NHS prescription charges may still apply in some cases. Many patients are exempt, including some children, older adults, pregnant patients, and people with certain medical conditions.
Do I need a GP referral for this service?
No. Most services allow self-referral, so you can contact us directly. However, some services may require referral through another healthcare professional, depending on the clinical pathway.
Who provides my treatment at NewGen Pharmacy?
Our GPhC-registered pharmacists carry out consultations and make treatment decisions in line with current clinical guidance and NHS service requirements.
Am I eligible for this NHS pharmacy service?
Eligibility depends on the service, your age, your symptoms, and your medical history. Our pharmacist will confirm whether the service is suitable for you during the consultation.
Will I receive medication after my consultation?
Not always. Our pharmacist will recommend the most appropriate next step. In some cases, self-care advice is enough. If treatment is clinically appropriate, we may supply medication through the service.
What do I need before my pharmacy consultation?
This depends on the service. Usually, you need to describe your symptoms and provide basic medical information. For some services, you may also need details such as your current medicines, a recent blood pressure reading, or other relevant health information.
Is my pharmacy consultation confidential?
Yes. All consultations follow UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and NHS confidentiality standards. We handle your information securely and only share it when required for your care or by law.
Access, Safety & Support
Can I use this service online or in person?
Yes. Many of our services are available online, and in-person support is also available at our pharmacy. Availability may vary depending on the service.
How quickly will I get a response?
We aim to review consultations on the same day during opening hours. However, some conditions are time-sensitive, so please contact us directly if your symptoms are urgent.
What happens if I am not suitable for treatment?
If this service is not suitable for you, our pharmacist will explain the next step and may refer you to your GP, NHS 111, urgent care, or another appropriate service.
Is NewGen Pharmacy regulated in the UK?
Yes. NewGen Pharmacy is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council and follows UK pharmacy law, NHS service requirements, and current professional standards.
How can I make a complaint?
If you have a concern, please contact our team directly by phone or email. We take all complaints seriously and will explain our complaints process clearly.
Where can I find trusted NHS health information?
You can find general health information on the NHS website and clinical guidance from NICE. If you need help with a specific service, you can also contact our pharmacy team directly.