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Catarrh is a chronic condition characterized by the inflammation of the mucous membranes in one of the airways or cavities of the body, leading to a buildup of thick phlegm or mucus. It commonly affects the nose, throat, or sinuses.
read more about catarrh ...The triggers include infections, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), non-allergic irritants (like dust or smoke), and sometimes nasal polyps. Catarrh is essentially the body's defensive reaction to persistent irritation.
Symptoms include a constant feeling of mucus buildup in the throat or nose, leading to frequent throat clearing or coughing. Many people experience nasal congestion, postnasal drip, or a reduced sense of smell. The mucus can feel thick and sticky, making breathing uncomfortable. Headache, ear pressure, and fatigue may develop from ongoing inflammation. Symptoms tend to persist for weeks or months if the underlying trigger is not addressed.
Catarrh can impact eye health through the nasolacrimal system. The tear ducts connect the eyes to the nasal passages. Swelling and inflammation from catarrh can block these ducts, leading to watery eyes, chronic tearing, and sometimes eye infections.
Management strategies focus on treating the underlying cause and reducing symptoms. This involves nasal irrigation (using saline solutions to flush the mucus), steam inhalation, and sometimes corticosteroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation.
Potential complications are often ear-related. Persistent congestion can lead to middle ear fluid buildup (glue ear), causing temporary hearing loss. Chronic sinus inflammation is also a common result that requires medical attention.
No, catarrh is a symptom of inflammation or infection, not a disease itself. The underlying cold or flu can be contagious.
Yes, inhaling steam helps thin the mucus, making it easier to drain from the nasal and sinus passages.
Postnasal drip is the feeling of mucus running down the throat and is a major symptom of catarrh.
Chronic catarrh can lead to "Eustachian Tube Dysfunction," causing ear pain or muffled hearing. If your catarrh is accompanied by eye pain or swelling of the eyelids, you may have a sinus infection that is spreading toward the orbit. See a doctor for antibiotics.
NHS. Catarrh (nhs.uk). 2022.
ENT UK. Catarrh Patient Info (entuk.org). 2023.
Cleveland Clinic. Postnasal Drip (clevelandclinic.org). 2022.
Patient.info. Nasal Discharge (patient.info). 2025.