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Sinusitis advice and treatment through the Pharmacy First Service
Maplestead Pharmacy offers advice and NHS-funded treatment, if clinically appropriate, to eligible patients in England. Book your appointment online.
Are you suffering from symptoms of sinusitis? If your symptoms are severe or have not resolved by themselves, you might be eligible for expert advice and treatment service through the Pharmacy First Service, without the need to see your GP.
Who can access advice and treatment for Sinusitis through the Free NHS Pharmacy First Service?
*The NHS Pharmacy First Service is offered by participating pharmacies in England. It is designed to offer health advice and treatments for common conditions. Sinusitis is one of the seven health conditions included in the Pharmacy First service that we at Maplestead Pharmacy.
*The age limit for this service is 12 years and over. The pharmacy team will assess your eligibility for the free NHS Pharmacy First Service. If you are not eligible, the pharmacy team may recommend a private service/treatment or sign-post you to another health service provider.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis refers to the swelling of the sinuses that is usually caused by an infection of the sinuses. In most cases, it will clear by itself in a few weeks. If your symptoms persist or are severe, you might need medication to treat the infection and the swelling.
What are the Main Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis usually occurs following a cold or flu infection. There are several symptoms associated with Sinusitis, including:
- Nasal Congestion
- Pain, inflammation and tenderness are felt around the cheeks, eyes and forehead.
- Green/yellow mucus discharge from the nose
- Reduced sense of smell
- Headache
- Elevated Temperature
- Toothache and bad breath
Available treatments for Sinusitis under the Pharmacy First Service
If your symptoms don’t improve or you suffer from severe symptoms, your condition will be assessed by a pharmacist during a consultation. The pharmacist may decide to offer you a treatment for your sinusitis if they consider it clinically appropriate and suitable. Your eligibility for the free NHS Pharmacy First service will also be assessed and the following treatments might be provided if you are eligible.
Corticosteroid Spray or drops - To reduce inflammation associated with sinusitis, a corticosteroid spray or drops can be given to the patient. Corticosteroids can reduce the swelling of the nasal passages and sinuses. You should follow the instructions given by the pharmacist and the method of administration in the patient information leaflet to correctly administer the corticosteroid spray or drops.
Antibiotics - If there are signs and symptoms of bacterial infection of the sinuses, the pharmacist might consider supplying an antibiotic after carefully considering clinical requirements and suitability.
*If you are issued a prescription medicine, you will pay the standard NHS prescription charge unless you’re eligible for free prescriptions.
What is the Pharmacy First Service?
The Pharmacy First Service is an NHS service designed to offer free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions. Patients can access this service at participating pharmacies in England. We offer advice and treatment for the following additional six conditions covered by this service:
Think Pharmacy First for common conditions. Book your appointment online with Maplestead Pharmacy.