Acute Sinusitis – Pharmaease

Step 1 of 12

Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and is only complicated by bacterial infection in about 2 in 100 cases. It takes 2–3 weeks to resolve, and most people will get better without antibiotics. Click here for more information

Please select an appropriate time for the pharmacist to conduct a video consultation with you to review your condition.

Name(Required)

First name Last Name

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

It is important for patients or their carers to initially determine if there are any critical symptoms present that may indicate a severe condition, such as meningitis. These critical symptoms include:

Non-blanching rash (a rash that does not disappear with pressure)
Drowsiness
Neck stiffness
Sensitivity to light

If the patient is experiencing any of the critical symptoms outlined above, IMMEDIATE ACTION is required. They must dial 999 without delay or visit their local accident and emergency center. Prompt action is crucial for their safety.
You can find your nearest A&E by clicking on this link.

If you would like to discuss it further please contact the pharmacy on 01204 456390.

please confirm the patients assigned gender at birth.(Required)

Male

Female

Please confirm if the patient has experienced any of the following symptoms, which could indicate intraorbital or periorbital complications, or even intracranial complications.

Has the patient observed any swelling and redness around the eye, which might suggest inflammation or infection such as orbital cellulitis?
Has there been any noticeable displacement of the eyeball (proptosis), appearing as though the eyeball is pushed forward?
Is there any reduction in the patient's vision, possibly indicating pressure or damage to the optic nerve or other parts of the eye?
Does the patient report pain in or around the eye, especially when moving the eye or upon touch?
Is there any swelling over the frontal bone? (Click here for further information)
Has the patient experienced double vision (diplopia)?
Is there any noticable eyelid droop (ptosis)?
Are there any changes in eye movement, indicating difficulty or inability to move the eye in certain directions?
Has the patient shown sensitivity to light (photophobia)?

Please ensure to provide accurate information to the best of your knowledge, as this will assist in evaluating the need for immediate medical attention.

Please choose one option(Required)

I confirm that the patient IS NOT experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.

The patient is experiencing ONE or MORE of the symptoms listed above.

What is the patients Date Of Birth?(Required)

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Hidden

Age

Children under 12 are not eligible for sinusitis treatment through Pharmacy First due to the need for specialised paediatric assessment and treatment. Medication safety, dosing concerns, and the complexity of diagnosing young children mean that professional consultation with a GP or paediatrician is advised. This approach ensures the child receives appropriate care while mitigating risks of misdiagnosis and improper medication use.

Please contact your GP to arrange an appointment, or contact your local Accident & Emergency centre (A&E) if symptoms are severe.
You can find your nearest A&E by clicking on this link.

If the individual is female, is she under 16, and pregnant?(Required)

Yes

This question does not relate to the individual.

Individuals who are pregnant and under 16 are not eligible for acute sinusitis treatments under the Pharmacy First scheme due to the necessity for specialised medical attention. This group requires careful evaluation of any medication's potential effects on both the young mother and the foetus. Certain treatments for acute sinusitis may not be safe without the oversight of a healthcare professional, warranting a detailed medical examination and care beyond what the Pharmacy First service offers.

Please consult your GP to schedule an appointment, or if symptoms are severe, contact your local Accident & Emergency centre (A&E). To find your nearest A&E, please follow this link.

Is the patient immunosuppressed?(Required)

Yes

Someone can be immunosuppressed or immunocompromised through various means, including:

1. Medical Conditions: Certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and diabetes can weaken the immune system.

2. Medical Treatments: Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain medications used for autoimmune diseases can suppress the immune system.

3. Organ or Stem Cell Transplants: Patients may take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection, which lowers their immune response.

4. Genetic Disorders: Some people are born with conditions that affect their immune system's ability to function properly.

5. Malnutrition: Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.

6. Chronic Stress: Long-term stress can negatively affect the immune system's effectiveness.

The patient is NOT ELIGIBLE for the pharmacy first service.

Being immunosuppressed increases the risk of infections and can affect the body's ability to recover from illnesses.

Please contact your GP to arrange an appointment, or contact your local Accident & Emergency centre (A&E) if symptoms are severe.
You can find your nearest A&E by clicking on this link.

Has the patient been previously diagnosed with Chronic Sinusitis?(Required)

Yes

Chronic sinusitis, as defined by the NHS, occurs when the cavities around nasal passages become inflamed and swollen for at least 12 weeks, despite attempts to treat it. This condition leads to prolonged nasal blockage, difficulty breathing through the nose, and can cause facial pain or pressure, among other symptoms.

You are not eligible for the Pharmacy First service.

It is Advised patient to seek treatment from the GP or out of hours service.

Does the patient have any of the following symptoms?(Required)

Nasal blockage (obstruction/congestion)

Nasal discharge (anterior/posterior nasal drip)

I have both above conditions

None from the above

It seems that acute sinusitis might not be the cause of your symptoms based on your responses. Exploring alternative diagnoses is essential to ensure you receive the appropriate care. Some potential conditions are:

Allergic Rhinitis: Similar symptoms to sinusitis but caused by allergies.
Viral Upper Respiratory Infection (Common Cold): Often presents with nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough.
Nasal Polyps: Noncancerous growths in the nasal passages or sinuses can cause congestion, reduced sense of smell, and breathing difficulties.
Dental Abscess: An infection at the root of a tooth can cause pain and mimic sinusitis symptoms.
please contact the pharmacy on 01204 456390 to discuss it in more detail.

Does the patient have any of the following symptoms?(Required)

Facial pain/pressure (or headache)

Reduction (or loss) of the sense of smell (in adults)

Cough during the day or at night (in children)

The patient has all of the above symptoms.

The patient does not have any of the above symptoms.

Has the patient had symptoms for less 10 days?(Required)

Yes

Self-care and pain relief are key as based on your responses antibiotics are not appropriate at this stage. It's important to manage symptoms through self-care strategies such as using appropriate pain relief and decongestants. As part of safety netting advice, if the symptoms persist for longer than 10 days, it is advisable to contact the pharmacy again for further guidance. This approach ensures that any complications or changes in your condition are addressed promptly.

Please contact the pharmacy on 01204 456390 if you would like to discuss it in more detail.

Has the patient had symptoms for more than 10 days with no improvement(Required)

Yes