Introduction

The NHS wants more episodes of care to be completed in community pharmacies as part of its strategy for managing demand in primary care.

This is the latest in a series of modules designed to support the delivery of NHS Pharmacy First and similar schemes in the UK. Use this module on acute sinusitis to update your knowledge on the over-the-counter (OTC) medicines available and the self care advice you can offer.

The paranasal sinuses are air-containing spaces in the bony structures adjacent to the nose (maxillary sinuses) and above the eyes (frontal sinuses). During a cold, their lining surfaces become inflamed and swollen, producing mucous. The maxillary sinuses are most commonly involved. The secretions drain into the nasal cavity and, if the drainage passage becomes blocked, fluid builds up in the sinus. This causes pain from pressure that is called acute sinusitis. It can become secondarily (bacterially) infected but this is rare. If this happens, more persistent pain arises in the sinus areas and there may be fever and purulent nasal discharge.