Fact Checked
Catarrh is an undue accumulation of heavy mucus or phlegm in the cavity or airway of the body. It is generally located in the sinuses (the cavities in the face that channel into the nose), but it can also take place in the throat, chest or ears.
This can result in:
- A congested and stuffy nose
Catarrh is an undue accumulation of heavy mucus or phlegm in the cavity or airway of the body. - A runny nose or phlegm that shoots down the back of your throat
- A frustrating, insistent cough caused by too much phlegm at the back of your throat
- A severe headache
- A congested nose and blocked sinuses can lead to facial pain
- A loss of taste and smell
- Short-term, partial loss of hearing and a crackling feeling in your middle ear
- Fatigue
What Are The Causes Of Catarrh?
When the immune system responds to an infection, then catarrh occurs as a result. The immune system is the body’s natural protection against impurities, viruses and illnesses.
Your immune system transmits white blood cells to the cause of the infection to fight off the infection or irritation. Catarrh is not an illness itself, but a sign of conditions such as:
- The common flu or other viruses
- Certain types of allergic reactions – swelling of the nasal cavities caused by an allergic response to allergens such as dust mites, animals or pollen
- Non-allergic reactions – reactions to ecological triggers, such as changes in the environment.
When To Visit Your Doctor?
- In most instances, catarrh will resolve itself as the primary infection only survives a short amount of time. Though, some individuals might suffer from chronic catarrh, which can be annoying to live with.
- If your catarrh continues, go see your doctor. They might want to rule out illnesses and find out if your catarrh is a result of an allergic response.
- Do-it-yourself methods are often the best way of handling chronic catarrh if a specific cause cannot be established.