Catarrh refers to the build-up of mucus in the nose, throat and sinuses. The mucus is the slippery fluid substance that the mucus glands in the nose and throat produce. This fluid substance helps to keep the airways moist. It also helps to trap foreign bodies, including bacteria and viruses and prevents them from getting into the body.
For many people, catarrh is not a cause for worry, as the condition would resolve on its own after some time. However, in some situations, it can be quite discomforting and worrisome enough to affect your day – and even the quality of your sleep at night.
What causes catarrh?
There are many causes of catarrh. They include:
- Weather changes
- Allergies
- Air pollution
- Sore throat
- Nasal polyps
- Eating spicy foods
- Sinus infections
- Gastroesphaegeal reflux (GER)
- Some medications
Symptoms
The symptoms may include:
- Constantly blocked nostrils
- Feeling like there is a mass in the throat
- An incessant urge to swallow or cough to clear the throat
- Feeling of mucus dripping down the back of the throat
- Headache
- Facial pain
Dealing with catarrh
Mucus is not harmful and catarrh normally should resolve on its own after a few days. However, here are some things you can do to help with your symptoms:
- Drink plenty of water
- Do a salt and water gargle
- Rinse your nose with salt and water
- Inhaling steam during a hot shower
- Sleeping with an extra pillow in bed so your sleep position is more upright, instead of lying flat
Some over the counter treatments can also be helpful. These include:
- Nasal decongestants
- Mucus thinning medications
- Antihistamines for allergic causes
- Pain relievers
- Nasal irrigation
As stated earlier in this post, catarrh would normally resolve in its own after a while. And with the highlighted remedies, symptoms are even expected to improve significantly. However, if you experience catarrh lasting more than a few weeks, kindly ensure to see your doctor.
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