Symptoms of sinusitis

Sinusitis usually occurs after an infection, such as a cold, with symptoms of sinusitis commonly including:

• Pain and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead
• A blocked nose
• A green or yellow discharge from the nose
• A high temperature of 38°c or more
• Toothache
• A reduced sense of smell
• Bad breath (halitosis).

In addition, symptoms to look out for in children with sinusitis include:

• Being irritable
• Breathing through their mouth
• Having difficulty feeding
• Sounding nasal when they speak, as though they have a stuffy cold.

While the symptoms of acute sinusitis often clear up within a few weeks, occasionally they can last three months or more – known as chronic sinusitis.

People whose symptoms are mild and getting better can often treat sinusitis with simple self care and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, but if their condition is getting worse they could be eligible for treatment via Pharmacy First. If they keep getting sinusitis, or it is severe, the pharmacist may also advise them to see their GP for a referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.