Reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist at Priory Pharmacy. 3 min read
Quick answer: A cold usually causes a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat, and most people feel better within 7 to 10 days. Sinusitis is more likely if you have pain, swelling or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead, a blocked nose with green or yellow mucus, a reduced sense of smell or a high temperature, often after a cold. Most cases of sinusitis clear up on their own within 2 to 3 weeks. To ease symptoms, rest, drink plenty of fluids, take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and rinse your nose with a salt water solution. In England, adults and children aged 12 and over can get advice and, where clinically suitable, treatment for sinusitis through the NHS Pharmacy First service at a participating pharmacy in York. Contact your GP if your symptoms are severe, getting worse or last longer than 3 weeks. Call 111 urgently if you have swelling or redness around your eyes, changes in your vision, a severe headache or a stiff neck.
You’ve had a cold for over a week, your nose is still blocked, and now your face aches every time you bend down. It could be sinusitis, a common condition that often follows a cold. The good news is that most cases clear up on their own, and there’s plenty you can do to feel better in the meantime.
Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists at The Priory Pharmacy in Acomb can assess sinusitis in adults and children aged 12 and over, and supply treatment if needed.
What is sinusitis?
Your sinuses are small, air-filled spaces behind your cheekbones, forehead and nose. Normally, mucus drains from them into your nose. When you have a cold, the lining of the sinuses can swell and stop mucus draining properly. This causes pressure and pain. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, and only sometimes by bacteria.
Sinusitis or a cold?
| Sign | Common cold | Sinusitis |
| Blocked or runny nose | Yes | Yes, often thick yellow or green mucus |
| Pain or pressure in the face | Rare | Common, around the cheeks, eyes or forehead, often worse when bending forward |
| Reduced sense of smell | Sometimes | Common |
| How long it lasts | Usually 7 to 10 days | Often 2 to 3 weeks |
| Other signs | Sneezing, sore throat | Toothache, bad breath, a high temperature |
Easing symptoms at home
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take painkillers. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease pain and a high temperature, if suitable for you.
- Use a warm compress. Hold a warm, damp cloth over your face for a few minutes at a time.
- Try saline rinses. Rinsing your nose with a salt water solution can help clear mucus. Ask us about ready-made sprays and kits.
- Breathe in steam. A hot shower or a bowl of hot water can help loosen mucus. Take care not to burn yourself, and don’t use this method with children.
- Avoid smoke and allergens. These can irritate the lining of your nose and sinuses.
Decongestant nasal sprays can help with a blocked nose, but don’t use them for more than 7 days, as they can make congestion worse.
How Pharmacy First can help
If your symptoms have lasted less than 12 weeks, or are severe, see the pharmacist at The Priory Pharmacy. They’ll ask about your symptoms and check whether you’re likely to have a viral or bacterial infection. Depending on your symptoms, they may recommend:
- self-care and over-the-counter products
- a steroid nasal spray to reduce swelling
- antibiotics, if a bacterial infection is likely
Most people with sinusitis don’t need antibiotics. They won’t help a viral infection and can cause side effects such as diarrhoea and thrush.
When to see a GP
See your GP if:
- your symptoms haven’t improved after 3 weeks
- you keep getting sinusitis
- your symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, which may be chronic sinusitis
- you only have symptoms on one side, or have a blocked nose with bleeding
Get urgent help if you have
- swelling or redness around your eyes
- changes to your vision, such as double vision
- a severe headache that gets worse
- a stiff neck or sensitivity to light
- confusion or drowsiness
- a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery
Call 999 or go to A&E, as these can be signs of a serious infection spreading.
Preventing sinusitis
You can’t always prevent it, but you can lower your risk:
- wash your hands often to avoid catching colds
- treat allergies such as hay fever
- stop smoking, as smoke damages the lining of your nose
- get your flu jab if you’re eligible
Sinusitis can make you feel miserable, but most cases get better with time and good self-care. If your symptoms are dragging on or are severe, pop into The Priory Pharmacy at Priory Medical Centre, Acomb, or call 01904 404101.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health or the health of someone you care for, speak to a pharmacist or GP, or call NHS 111.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat that usually causes a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and a cough. Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, the small spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead, and it often develops after a cold. The main sign of sinusitis is pain, swelling or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead, which is not usually a feature of a cold.
Common symptoms of sinusitis include pain, swelling or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead, a blocked nose, a reduced sense of smell and green or yellow mucus from your nose. You may also have a sinus headache, a high temperature, toothache or bad breath. In young children, signs can include irritability, difficulty feeding and breathing through the mouth.
Most people feel better from a cold within 7 to 10 days. Sinusitis usually clears up on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. If your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks, are getting worse or keep coming back, speak to your GP, as you may need further assessment.
Get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are suitable for you. Rinsing your nose with a salt water solution can help clear a blocked nose, and you should avoid smoking and anything you are allergic to. Your pharmacist can recommend products such as salt water or decongestant nasal sprays. Decongestant sprays should not be used for more than a week, as they can make congestion worse.
Usually not. Most sinusitis is caused by a virus and gets better on its own, and antibiotics do not work against colds or other viral infections. Antibiotics may be considered if sinusitis is likely to be caused by bacteria, for example if symptoms are severe or have not improved after 10 days. A pharmacist or GP can assess your symptoms and recommend the most suitable treatment, which may include a steroid nasal spray.
Yes. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, adults and children aged 12 and over can see a pharmacist about sinusitis at a participating pharmacy without a GP appointment. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and can offer advice or NHS treatment where clinically suitable. If you need further care, they will refer you to your GP or another appropriate service. Children under 12 with sinusitis symptoms should see their GP.
Contact your GP if your symptoms are severe, painkillers are not helping, your symptoms are getting worse or they have lasted longer than 3 weeks. You should also see your GP if you get sinusitis often, as there may be an underlying cause that needs treating.
Call NHS 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you have swelling or redness around your eyes, changes in your vision such as double vision, a severe headache, confusion or a stiff neck. These can be signs that the infection has spread and needs urgent treatment. In a medical emergency, always call 999.