Sinusitis

Acute Sinusitis Treatment at Exwick Pharmacy, Exeter

What Is Acute Sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses usually following a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. It causes symptoms such as facial pain and pressure, a blocked or runny nose, thick discoloured nasal discharge, a reduced sense of smell, and sometimes a headache or toothache. At Exwick Pharmacy on New Valley Rd, Exeter, we can assess and treat acute sinusitis as part of the NHS Pharmacy First service, saving you the wait for a GP appointment.

How Exwick Pharmacy Can Help

Most cases of acute sinusitis are caused by a viral infection and resolve on their own within two to three weeks. However, a proportion of cases are bacterial, and these may benefit from antibiotic treatment. Determining whether antibiotics are likely to be helpful requires a clinical assessment, and our pharmacists at Exwick Pharmacy are trained to conduct this assessment using evidence-based clinical criteria for patients aged 12 and over.

Clinical Assessment Under NHS Pharmacy First

Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, our pharmacist will take a detailed history of your symptoms, assess the duration and severity of your sinusitis, and determine whether your presentation meets the clinical criteria for antibiotic treatment. Symptoms that have persisted for more than ten days without improvement, or that have worsened after initial improvement, may be more consistent with a bacterial infection. If antibiotics are indicated, they can be supplied from the pharmacy on the same day.

Managing Sinusitis and When to Seek More Help

Alongside or instead of antibiotics, our pharmacist can advise on a range of self-care measures that are effective for managing sinusitis symptoms. These include nasal saline irrigation, steam inhalation, over-the-counter decongestants, pain relief, and staying well hydrated. These simple measures can significantly reduce discomfort and speed recovery in cases where antibiotics are not needed.

Exwick Pharmacy is conveniently located on New Valley Rd in Exeter and serves patients from across the EX4 postcode and wider Exeter area. If you are suffering from sinus pain and pressure that is affecting your daily life, come in and speak to our pharmacist. In many cases, we can provide the assessment and treatment you need on the same day, without the delay of waiting for a GP appointment.

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Useful Links:

Explore the links below for reliable information and expert guidance on sinusitis, treatments, and NHS health advice:

NHS Sinusitis

Our Pharmacy in Exeter

Frequently Asked Question

How long should I wait before seeing the pharmacist for sinusitis?

If your symptoms have persisted for more than ten days, or have worsened after initially improving, it is worth coming in for an assessment at Exwick Pharmacy. Earlier presentations can often be managed with self-care advice.

Is the sinusitis service available to children?

The NHS Pharmacy First sinusitis service is available to patients aged 12 and over. For younger children with sinusitis symptoms, please contact your GP.

Will I need a nasal swab at the pharmacy?

No swab is required. Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms clinically to determine the most likely cause and appropriate course of action.

Are there any side effects of sinusitis antibiotics?

Like all antibiotics, those used for sinusitis can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach discomfort. Our pharmacist will advise you on these and how to minimise them.

What are warning signs that my sinusitis needs emergency care?

Seek emergency medical attention if you develop a severe headache, swelling or redness around the eyes, a stiff neck, confusion, or a high persistent fever. These may indicate a serious complication.