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Buy sinusitis treatment online and get sinus relief medication delivered discreetly across the UK. Complete a short online consultation — no GP appointment or surgery visit needed — and a GPhC-registered pharmacist prescriber will recommend a suitable option where appropriate.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses — the air-filled spaces behind the cheeks, forehead, and around the nose. It is one of the most common reasons people see a pharmacist or GP, affecting millions of UK adults each year.
Sinusitis (also called rhinosinusitis) occurs when the lining of the sinuses becomes swollen and inflamed, usually following a cold or other viral infection. The swelling blocks the normal drainage of mucus, leading to a blocked or runny nose, facial pain or pressure, a reduced sense of smell, and sometimes a headache or toothache. Most cases are acute, meaning they clear within two to three weeks, and the great majority are caused by viruses rather than bacteria.
Acute sinusitis often improves on its own with simple self-care, but symptoms that are severe, that last longer than about ten days without improving, or that worsen after an initial recovery may benefit from treatment. Where appropriate, a pharmacist prescriber can recommend options such as a steroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation, or an antibiotic in the smaller number of cases where a bacterial infection is likely. A short online consultation helps determine which option, if any, is suitable for you.
Sinusitis symptoms usually develop after a cold and tend to peak within the first few days. Acute cases typically settle within two to three weeks. The most common symptoms include:
Nasal congestion or a thick, discoloured nasal discharge is one of the most common signs.
Pain, tenderness, or pressure around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead, often worse when bending forward.
A temporarily dulled or absent sense of smell and taste, sometimes with a headache, toothache, or bad breath.
Most sinusitis follows a viral infection, but several factors can trigger it or make it last longer. Understanding the likely cause helps determine whether treatment is needed.
The most common cause by far. A cold or other upper-respiratory virus inflames the sinus lining and blocks drainage. Antibiotics do not help viral sinusitis.
Hay fever and other allergies, smoking, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum can all narrow the sinuses and make infections more likely or longer-lasting. Bacterial infection is an occasional secondary cause.
The right treatment for sinusitis depends on how long your symptoms have lasted and how severe they are. Many people improve with simple measures and a saline or decongestant spray, while persistent or allergy-related cases may benefit from a steroid nasal spray. Antibiotics are only appropriate for the smaller number of cases where a bacterial infection is likely. A pharmacist prescriber will review your answers and recommend a suitable option — prices below start with the most affordable, recommended first-line choice.
| Treatment | Type | Best for | From (price) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterimar / saline nasal spray — Recommended | Saline / decongestant | Mild, early, or self-managed symptoms | From £6.99 |
| Steroid nasal spray (e.g. Beclometasone, Mometasone) | Anti-inflammatory (corticosteroid) | Persistent symptoms lasting 10+ days or allergy-related sinusitis | From £12.99 |
| Antibiotics (e.g. Phenoxymethylpenicillin) | Antibacterial | Likely bacterial infection or severe / worsening symptoms | From £18.99 |
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Sinusitis is usually mild and self-limiting, but in rare cases it can lead to complications. Seek medical help promptly if you notice any of the following:
Explore our in-depth guides for more on understanding sinusitis, easing symptoms at home, and knowing when to seek treatment.
A complete overview of what sinusitis is, how to recognise it, and the treatment options available.
Read guidePractical self-care steps — steam inhalation, saline rinses, and pain relief — to ease symptoms while you recover.
Read guideThere are several common misunderstandings about sinusitis. Here are the facts behind some of the most frequent myths.
Reality: Most sinusitis is caused by viruses, which antibiotics do not treat. The majority of cases clear up on their own within two to three weeks. Antibiotics are only helpful in the minority of cases where a bacterial infection is likely.
Reality: Coloured mucus is normal during many viral infections and is not a reliable sign that antibiotics are needed. The colour comes from immune cells fighting the infection, whatever its cause.
Reality: Sinusitis itself is not contagious, but the colds and viruses that often trigger it can spread between people. Good hand hygiene helps reduce the spread of those underlying infections.
Breathing in steam from a bowl of warm (not boiling) water can help loosen mucus and ease congestion. A warm flannel held over the face may also relieve facial pain.
Rinsing the inside of your nose with a saltwater (saline) solution can help clear mucus and reduce congestion. Ready-made sprays and sachets are available from pharmacies.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease facial pain and reduce fever. Rest, stay hydrated, and sleep with your head slightly raised to help the sinuses drain.
Answers to the questions people most often ask about sinusitis symptoms, treatment, and when to get help.
Most cases of acute sinusitis clear up within two to three weeks, and many improve within around 10 days with simple self-care. Sinusitis that lasts longer than 12 weeks is called chronic sinusitis and should be assessed by a GP, who may consider further investigation or referral.
There is no instant cure, but you can ease symptoms and support recovery with steam inhalation, saline nasal rinses, plenty of rest and fluids, and over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. For persistent symptoms, a steroid nasal spray can reduce inflammation. A pharmacist prescriber can advise on suitable options through a short online consultation.
Usually not. Most sinusitis is caused by viruses, which antibiotics do not treat, and the majority of cases resolve on their own. Antibiotics are only considered when a bacterial infection is likely — for example, severe symptoms, a high fever, or symptoms that last more than about 10 days or worsen after initial improvement. A prescriber will assess whether they are appropriate for you.
A cold tends to cause a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat that improve within a week or so. Sinusitis often develops after a cold and is characterised by facial pain or pressure around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead, a blocked nose, and a reduced sense of smell — symptoms that can persist for longer. Facial pain and pressure are the key features that distinguish sinusitis.
Yes. You can complete a short online consultation, and a GPhC-registered pharmacist prescriber will review your answers. Where appropriate, treatment such as a steroid nasal spray can be prescribed and delivered discreetly across the UK, with next-day delivery available. New, severe, or unusual symptoms should be assessed by a GP in person.
Sinusitis itself is not contagious. However, the cold and flu viruses that often trigger it can spread between people. Washing your hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes helps reduce the spread of those underlying infections.
See a GP if your symptoms last more than 10 days without improving, keep coming back, or get worse after an initial recovery. Seek urgent medical help if you develop a severe headache, swelling or redness around the eyes, vision changes, or confusion, as these can signal a rare but serious complication that needs same-day assessment.
Complete a short online consultation and a GPhC-registered pharmacist prescriber will review your answers. Where appropriate, treatment is dispensed and delivered discreetly across the UK — with next-day delivery available. New, severe, or persistent symptoms should always be assessed by a GP in person.
