Acute sinusitis: Pharmacy First pathway
Revisit nasal and facial symptoms, symptom progression, alternative diagnoses and orbital or neurological complications.
Free educational reference for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. Open the interactive pathway and linked material in CRx Workspace without an account or payment card.
What the Acute sinusitis pathway covers
The sinusitis pathway reviews nasal symptoms alongside facial pain or pressure and changes in smell. It separates the symptom assessment from later questions about duration, progression and features considered in possible bacterial sinusitis.
- Nasal blockage or discharge, facial pain or pressure and smell changes
- Symptom duration and deterioration after an initially milder illness
- Alternative diagnoses and possible bacterial features
- Orbital or intracranial complications, referral and self-care
Further reading and official resources
External links for further reading and checking current guidance.
- NHS England: Acute sinusitis PGDs and service documents
- NICE CKS: Acute sinusitis
- NICE NG79: information for the public
- NHS: Acute sinusitis
- Community Pharmacy England: Pharmacy First service resources
For England’s Pharmacy First service. This independent educational reference does not replace the current official specification, clinical pathway, PGDs or protocol.
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