Why Won’t My Sinus Infection Go Away?
June 17, 2026
A guide to persistent sinus symptoms, why some sinus infections take longer to clear than others, and when it may be time to seek professional advice. Contents What is a
4.9/5
Same-day NHS assessment and treatment for Sinusitis
Sinusitis
Skip the GP wait. Our trained clinicians can assess sinusitis symptoms and provide NHS treatment where appropriate through the Pharmacy First service.
Same-day help for sinusitis symptoms
Free NHS consultation
Advice and medication in one visit
How It Works
Three simple steps to get your treatment
Step 1
Tell Us What You Need
Answer a few quick questions about your symptoms so we can check if Pharmacy First treatment is right for you.
Step 2
Book Your Convenient Appointment
A trained pharmacist will assess your symptoms, medical history, and perform checks if needed to confirm the cause of your sinusitis.
Step 3
Collect or Receive Your Medication
If appropriate, receive NHS treatment the same day – with advice, self-care guidance, or prescription medication if needed.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, the air-filled spaces behind your cheeks, forehead, and eyes. It often develops after a cold or upper respiratory infection and can cause facial pain or pressure, a blocked or runny nose, headache, reduced sense of smell, and toothache.
Most cases are viral and improve on their own, but some bacterial sinus infections may benefit from targeted treatment. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, trained pharmacy clinicians can assess your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, and how severe they are, without needing a GP appointment.
Where appropriate, we can provide NHS treatment, advice on managing symptoms, and clear guidance on when to seek further medical help.
Available Treatments
Safe, effective medications reviewed by our pharmacists
Our Clinical Team
Rifqa Jibara
Superintendent Pharmacist and Prescriber
GPhC No. 2232122
Ra'eesah Rasan
Clinical Pharmacist
GPhC No. 2240473
Common Questions
What sinusitis symptoms can Pharmacy First treat?
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The Pharmacy First Service can assess common symptoms of sinusitis which includes:
Facial pain or pressure.
Blocked or congested nose.
Thick yellow or green nasal discharge.
Reduced sense of smell.
Headache.
Toothache or jaw discomfort.
Feeling generally unwell.
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may affect one or both sides of the face.
Is Pharmacy First sinusitis treatment free?
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Yes.
The consultation is free for eligible NHS patients.
If medication is required, standard NHS prescription charges may apply unless you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
Do I need a GP appointment for sinusitus?
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No.
Eligible patients can access sinusitis assessment and treatment directly through the pharmacy without needing a GP appointment or referral.
How quickly can I be treated?
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Many patients can be assessed and treated on the same day.
Availability may vary, so we recommend booking as soon as symptoms develop.
How long do symptoms need to last before treatment is considered?
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Sinusitis symptoms often improve within 7–10 days. If symptoms are severe, worsening, or lasting longer than expected, our clinicians can assess whether treatment is appropriate.
How do I know if I have sinusitis or just a cold?
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Many symptoms overlap.
A common cold usually causes nasal congestion and a runny nose that improves within a few days.
Sinusitis is more likely when symptoms include:
Facial pain or pressure.
Persistent nasal congestion.
Thick nasal discharge.
Reduced sense of smell.
Symptoms lasting longer than expected.
Our clinician can help determine whether sinusitis is the likely cause of your symptoms.
How long does sinusitis usually last?
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Many cases of acute sinusitis improve within 2 to 3 weeks without antibiotics.
However, symptoms that are severe, worsening, or lasting longer than expected may require assessment through the Pharmacy First Service.
Why do I have facial pain with sinusitis?
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When the sinuses become inflamed or blocked, pressure can build up within the sinus cavities.
This can cause pain or pressure around:
The cheeks.
The forehead.
Around the eyes.
The bridge of the nose.
The discomfort may worsen when bending forward.
What are sinus headaches?
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Sinus headaches are headaches caused by inflammation and pressure within the sinuses.
They are often felt around the forehead, cheeks, eyes, or bridge of the nose and may worsen when bending over.
Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics for sinusitis?
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Yes.
Under the Pharmacy First Service, pharmacists can supply antibiotics for eligible patients when clinical assessment indicates they are appropriate.
Not all sinus infections require antibiotics, and treatment decisions are based on symptoms and clinical criteria. Steroid nasal sprays may also be recommended in some cases to help reduce inflammation within the nasal passages and sinuses, which can relieve congestion, facial pressure, and other sinusitis symptoms.
Knowledge hub
Is It a Cold, Allergies or Sinusitis? How to Tell the Difference
June 17, 2026
A guide to understanding the differences between the common cold, allergies and sinusitis, and how recognising the cause of your symptoms can help you get the right treatment. Contents Why
Sinusitis Treatment Through Pharmacy First: Can a Pharmacist Help?
June 17, 2026
A guide to the Pharmacy First sinusitis service, how pharmacists assess sinus symptoms, and when treatment may be available without needing a GP appointment. Contents What is the Pharmacy First
Ready to Get Started?
Get fast, free NHS treatment for Sinusitis symptoms today. No GP wait, no hassle