Table 2.

Themes identified in analysis

Themes	Subcategories
1. Perceptions of severity	-Duration of symptoms -Perceived signs of severity -Quality of life impact
2. Advice from others	-Acceptance of GP advice -Consideration of alternative advice
3. Perceptions of antibiotics	-Antibiotics have unpleasant side effects -Concerns about resistance -Previous experience of antibiotics
4. Perceptions of self-help treatment	-Previous experience of treatments -Treatment duration short and irregular
5. Experiences of steam inhalation	-Beneficial but only for short-term relief -Beneficial but only for severe symptoms
6. Experiences of nasal irrigation	-Strong benefits of treatment outweigh any discomfort -Uncomfortable side effects of treatment cannot justify use

GP, general practitioner.