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Walk in or call ahead
No booking needed. Tell our team you're here for a Pharmacy First sinusitis consultation. Most patients are seen within 30 minutes.
NHS Pharmacy First · Sinusitis
Free same-day treatment for acute sinusitis.
A blocked nose, facial pain, and pressure that won't shift? Our pharmacists can assess and treat acute sinusitis for adults and children aged 12 and over — free, on the NHS, without a GP appointment.
- Free consultationCost
- Same dayWait time
- Adults & children 12+Eligibility
What is acute sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of your sinuses — the small, air-filled spaces behind your forehead, cheekbones, and around the bridge of your nose. It usually follows a cold or other viral infection and causes a blocked or runny nose, facial pain or pressure, reduced sense of smell, and sometimes a headache or fever. Acute sinusitis lasts up to 12 weeks; most cases clear within 2-3 weeks without antibiotics.
Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, our registered pharmacists at Qrystal Pharmacy in London can assess your symptoms, give clear self-care advice, and supply prescription medicines — including antibiotics where clinically appropriate — without you needing to see your GP first. The consultation is free and we aim to see you within 30 minutes of walking in.
Most people don't need antibiotics for sinusitis: research shows symptoms improve at a similar rate with or without them in the first 10 days. Where antibiotics are needed — typically when symptoms have lasted more than 10 days and are getting worse, or there are signs of bacterial infection — we can prescribe and dispense them on the spot.
Symptoms of acute sinusitis
Sinusitis symptoms typically build over a few days, often after a cold. The most common signs are:
- Blocked or stuffy nose
- Thick green or yellow nasal discharge
- Pain, swelling, or pressure around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
- Reduced or lost sense of smell
- A high temperature
- Sinus pain that worsens when you lean forward
- Toothache (especially in the upper jaw)
- Bad breath
- Headache, often worse in the morning
- Cough, often worse at night
When to see us — and when to seek urgent help
Most sinusitis clears within 2-3 weeks. Come to us if symptoms aren't improving or are interfering with daily life — but please seek urgent help if any red-flag symptoms develop.
Walk in to Pharmacy First if you have:
- Sinus symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement
- Symptoms that improved then got worse again
- Severe facial pain or pressure not relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Recurrent sinusitis (more than 3 episodes in a year)
- Fever alongside ongoing sinus symptoms
Get urgent help (NHS 111 or A&E) if you have:
- Severe headache with stiff neck, confusion, or sensitivity to light
- Swelling, redness, or pain around one eye
- Double vision or changes to your vision
- A severe, sudden-onset headache that feels different from any previous one
- A child who is very unwell, drowsy, or unresponsive
Who is eligible for sinusitis treatment under Pharmacy First?
- Adults and children aged 12 and over
- Registered with an NHS GP in England
- Symptoms consistent with acute sinusitis (less than 12 weeks)
You're not eligible if:
- Children under 12 (we will refer to a GP)
- Patients with chronic sinusitis (12+ weeks of continuous symptoms)
- Pregnant patients — please ask; we can usually still help
- Patients with severe symptoms or red-flag features — we'll refer urgently
How your sinusitis consultation works
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Private clinical assessment
Our pharmacist takes a full symptom history, checks for red-flag features, and examines you where appropriate in our private consultation room.
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Treatment plan
You'll get a clear plan: usually self-care plus a steroid nasal spray, with antibiotics added only if clinically appropriate (e.g. symptoms 10+ days and worsening).
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Records to your GP
With your consent we share a consultation summary electronically with your GP so your records stay joined-up.
What's included
- Clinical assessment by a registered pharmacist
- Private consultation room — fully confidential
- High-dose nasal corticosteroid spray prescription where appropriate
- Antibiotic prescription where clinically appropriate
- Pain-relief and decongestant guidance for self-care
- Onward referral to your GP, NHS 111, or A&E if needed
- Electronic record sent securely to your GP
Other Pharmacy First conditions we can treat
Sore Throat
Adults & children 5+
Same-day NHS assessment and antibiotics for streptococcal sore throat, where appropriate.
Read moreEarache
Children 1-17
Acute middle-ear infection assessment and treatment for children aged 1 to 17.
Read moreShingles
Adults 18+
Fast antiviral treatment for adults with painful shingles rash — best started within 72 hours.
Read moreSinusitis treatment — frequently asked questions
Will I get antibiotics for my sinusitis?
Not always — and that's a good thing. Most sinusitis is viral and improves within 2-3 weeks without antibiotics. NHS guidance is to consider antibiotics only when symptoms have lasted more than 10 days without improvement, or there are signs of a bacterial infection. Our pharmacist will make a clinical judgement and prescribe if appropriate.
How long does sinusitis last?
Acute sinusitis usually improves within 2-3 weeks. Around 4 in 5 people get better without antibiotics. If your symptoms last more than 12 weeks, it's classed as chronic sinusitis and may need GP or ENT referral — we can help arrange that.
What can I do at home to feel better?
Plenty rests on self-care: paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever, plenty of fluids, steam inhalation (a bowl of hot — not boiling — water with a towel over your head), saline nasal sprays or rinses, and avoiding cigarette smoke. Sleeping with your head slightly raised can also help drainage.
Are decongestant sprays safe to use?
Over-the-counter decongestant sprays (like xylometazoline) can help short-term but should not be used for more than 7 days, as they can cause rebound congestion. Steroid nasal sprays, which we can prescribe, are safe for longer-term use and target the underlying inflammation.
Can children be treated under Pharmacy First?
Yes — but for sinusitis the service is only for children aged 12 and over. Younger children with suspected sinusitis should be seen by their GP. Bring your child to us if you're unsure; we'll either treat them or refer.
Do I need to be registered with a London GP?
You just need to be registered with any NHS GP in England. You don't need to be a regular Qrystal Pharmacy patient. Bring your NHS number if you know it — we can look it up if not.
How quickly should antibiotics work?
If antibiotics are prescribed, most people notice improvement within 48-72 hours. Always finish the full course even if you feel better. If you don't improve, or get worse, contact us, your GP, or NHS 111.
Can sinusitis come back?
Yes — some people have recurrent sinusitis, especially during hay-fever season or after frequent colds. Long-term management with a daily steroid nasal spray and trigger avoidance can help. If you've had three or more episodes in a year, we'll discuss referral to your GP.
Is there anything I should avoid?
Avoid cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants where possible — they prolong symptoms. Don't push yourself through intense exercise while feverish, and avoid flying or scuba diving until symptoms have settled.
Sinus symptoms? Don't wait it out.
Walk into Qrystal Pharmacy for a free NHS Pharmacy First sinusitis consultation — same day, no GP referral needed.