Catarrh

What is catarrh?

Catarrh is when your body makes too much mucus (thick, sticky fluid) in your nose, sinuses, and throat. It's like your body's way of trying to wash away germs or irritation. Most of the time, it goes away on its own within a few weeks.

What does catarrh feel like?

You might notice:

• Your nose feels constantly blocked up
• It feels like there's a lump stuck in your throat
• You keep needing to swallow or cough to try and clear your throat
• You can feel mucus slowly dripping down the back of your throat
• Your ears feel crackly or full

These feelings are usually temporary and last just a few days. Sometimes they can stick around longer.

Why do you get catarrh?

Your body makes catarrh when something irritates the lining inside your nose, sinuses, and throat. This makes the lining swell up and produce extra mucus. Common causes include:

• Infections like colds, flu, or sinus infections
• Pollution and cigarette smoke
• Allergic reactions to pollen, house dust, or pet fur
• Conditions affecting your nose, like small growths called nasal polyps

What can you do to feel better?

Even though catarrh can be annoying, the mucus is actually helping your body fight off infection. Here are some simple things that might help:

Drink plenty of water - This helps thin the mucus so it's easier to clear.

Sip ice-cold water - When you feel like coughing or swallowing to clear your throat, try sipping cold water instead.

Use a humidifier - Adding moisture to the air can help loosen mucus in your nose and throat.

Sleep more upright - Try using an extra pillow so you're not lying completely flat.

Gargle with salt water - This can help soothe your throat.

Rinse your nose with salt water - You can make this at home or buy it from a pharmacy.

How to make salt water nose rinse at home:

1. Boil a pint of water and let it cool down
2. Mix in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
3. Wash your hands well
4. Stand over a sink and cup some solution in your palm
5. Sniff the water into one nostril at a time
6. Breathe through your mouth and let the water drain out
7. Don't let the water go down your throat
8. You can do this up to 3 times a day

Make fresh solution each time you use it.

Getting help from a pharmacist

Your local pharmacist can suggest medicines called decongestants that might help. They can also sell you ready-made salt water nose rinses in different forms like sprays or sachets.

When to speak to your GP

You should see your GP if your catarrh symptoms last more than a few weeks. Your GP might want to check if there's another reason for your symptoms, like nasal polyps (small growths in your nose).

Your GP might suggest the same treatments you can get from a pharmacy. If they find nasal polyps, they might prescribe steroid sprays or nose drops. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove polyps if other treatments don't work.

Remember, most catarrh clears up by itself. Your body is just doing its job to keep you healthy.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.