What is Catarrh

Catarrh is not really an illness itself, but a symptom of another illness. These illnesses include the common cold or another infection, nasal polyps (swelling flesh inside the nose), hay fever (or a different allergic rhinitis), or a non-allergic rhinitis, which is marked by environmental trigger sensitivity.

Catarrh is a large mucus buildup inside a body cavity or airway. Usually, the mucus buildup occurs in the nose, but it may also occur in the ears, chest, or throat. It is generally an acute condition, meaning it should reduce and go away after a few days, or once the causal infection is gone. Some people, however, suffer from chronic catarrh. Those with a persistent condition may have an allergy or nose abnormalities, such as nasal polyps.

Catarrh usually occurs as the result of an immune system reaction to infection or irritation inside a body cavity, such as the nasal cavity. White blood cells are sent to fight the infection, and they cause swelling in the cavity linings, which produces mucus. The swelling also causes the cavity to narrow, which leads to decongestion.

Symptoms of the condition include a stuffy, blocked nose or, on the other hand, a runny nose that causes mucus to trail down the throat. Symptoms resulting from these initial causes include coughing due to mucus buildup in the throat, pain in the face due to blocked sinuses, loss of smell and/or taste, and possibly even hearing loss. Patients may also experience headaches and fatigue.

If it is a short term problem, decongestants are usually effective. Long term catarrh treatment depends on the condition causing the mucus buildup. If you feel that you have chronic mucus buildup that has led to other problems, such as hearing loss or constant headaches, you should consult a doctor to explore treatment options.