Medicines for Catarrh

What it is

Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity of the body, most commonly affecting the nose, throat, sinuses, or the back of the nose and throat. It is a very common and usually harmless symptom rather than a disease in itself, and is often the body’s response to inflammation or irritation of the lining of these areas. Catarrh frequently occurs with or after common conditions such as a cold or other respiratory infection, and can also be associated with allergies (such as hay fever), sinus problems, nasal irritation, or, in some people, occur without an obvious cause (persistent or chronic catarrh). The symptoms of catarrh can include: a blocked or stuffy nose, or a runny nose; a feeling of mucus running down the back of the throat (a "post-nasal drip"); a persistent need to clear the throat, or a feeling of a lump or something at the back of the throat; a cough (particularly at night or in the morning, from mucus); a reduced sense of smell or taste; and sometimes a feeling of pressure or fullness in the face or ears. Catarrh linked to a cold or infection usually clears up on its own as the underlying illness settles, over a week or two. However, some people experience persistent (chronic) catarrh that lasts longer or keeps coming back, which can be more troublesome, though it is still usually not a sign of anything serious. Catarrh is generally managed with simple self-care measures, and any underlying cause (such as allergies or sinus problems) can be addressed. It is worth seeing a GP if catarrh is persistent and troublesome, if it is associated with other symptoms, or particularly if there are certain warning signs (such as catarrh or a blocked nose persistently affecting only one side, blood-stained mucus, or other concerning features), which should be checked. The key messages are that catarrh is a common and usually harmless build-up of mucus, often following a cold or with allergies, that it usually clears on its own or is managed with simple measures, and that persistent, one-sided, or unusual symptoms should be checked.

How it is treated

Catarrh is usually managed with simple self-care measures, along with addressing any underlying cause; it often clears on its own, and persistent cases can be helped, though certain features should be checked. For catarrh linked to a cold or infection, it usually clears as the illness settles, and self-care helps in the meantime. Helpful measures for catarrh include: staying well hydrated (drinking plenty of fluids), which can help thin the mucus; steam inhalation (for example breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water, carefully) may help loosen and clear mucus for some people; saline (salt water) nasal sprays or rinses, which can help clear and soothe the nose; avoiding things that irritate the nose or trigger symptoms (such as smoke, or known allergens); and, for a blocked nose, simple measures and, if appropriate, short-term use of certain decongestants (following advice, as these should not be used for long). Where catarrh is related to an underlying cause, addressing that helps — for example, treating allergies (such as hay fever, with antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays), managing sinus problems, or addressing nasal irritation. For persistent (chronic) catarrh, these measures, and identifying any contributing cause, can help, and a pharmacist or GP can advise; sometimes steroid nasal sprays or other treatments are helpful. It is worth seeing a GP if catarrh is persistent and troublesome, is not helped by self-care, or is associated with other symptoms, so any underlying cause can be assessed and managed. Importantly, certain features should prompt medical assessment, as they may indicate a problem needing further investigation — particularly nasal symptoms or catarrh that persistently affect only one side of the nose, blood-stained mucus or nosebleeds, a persistent lump or other unusual symptoms, or other concerning features — these should be checked. The reassuring messages are that catarrh is a common and usually harmless build-up of mucus, often following a cold or linked to allergies, that it usually clears on its own or is helped by simple measures (such as hydration, steam, and saline rinses) and by treating any underlying cause, and that persistent, one-sided, or unusual symptoms should be assessed.