Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

MedBD
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Community data Updated 4 weeks ago

Catarrh

Catarrh

lungs-and-airways respiratory
0 medicines 10 symptoms

Catarrh means mucus building up in your airways. It usually settles at the back of the nose, in the throat, or in the sinuses.

Most of the time it clears up on its own, but for some people it lingers for months or even years. Doctors call this chronic catarrh.

The good news is that catarrh isn't dangerous, and treatment is available to help you feel better.

Common Symptoms

Runny Nose Headache constant need to clear your throat that your throat is blocked blocked or stuffy nose that you can’t clear of mucus running down the back of your throat persistent cough facial pain reduced sense of smell and taste crackling sensation in your ear and some temporary hearing loss

⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.

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Medicines Commonly Used

⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.

No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.

When to See a Doctor

When to See a Doctor

Talk to your GP if your catarrh is making everyday life difficult, or if it hasn't cleared up after a few weeks.

Causes

What causes catarrh?

Catarrh usually happens when your immune system reacts to an infection or some kind of irritation. This makes the lining of your nose and throat swell up and produce extra mucus.

Things that can trigger it include:

  • a cold or other infections
  • hay fever or other types of allergic rhinitis
  • non-allergic rhinitis
  • nasal polyps

If there's an underlying condition behind it, treating that condition may help clear up the catarrh too.

Doctors aren't fully sure what causes catarrh that lasts a long time, but it's often tied to an allergy or infection. It may also be linked to:

  • an abnormality in how mucus moves through the nose
  • increased sensitivity to mucus at the back of the nose and throat

Diagnosis

Diagnosing catarrh

Your GP may check if there’s a condition causing it like nasal polyps or allergies.

You may be referred to a specialist for tests.

Treatment

Catarrh usually clears up on its own within a few days to a few weeks.

Treatment from your pharmacist

A pharmacist can offer:

  • advice about catarrh
  • over the counter medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays