Catarrh is characterised by an excess of mucus in the body, most commonly in the airways of the body as experienced when one has a cold, sinusitis or rhinitis - an inflammation of the nasal passages. Catarrh is a symptom of an infection rather than a condition in itself, or it may be the result of an allergic reaction, when the body reacts to the presence of pollen or dust mites – termed allergic rhinitis. Other people may not have a specific allergy as such, but rather may have sensitivity to environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and even stress. While catarrh typically affects the nasal passages, it can also occur in the throat, ears and chest and often results in the production of phlegm.
Catarrh Symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with catarrh are:
- Congested and runny nose
- Presence of mucus in the throat
- Coughing, often persistently
- Headache
- Temporary hearing problems; and
- Fatigue
Relief from Catarrh
The traditional medical approach to reliving catarrh is to treat the underlying cause; i.e. the source of infection, in many cases the common cold. Most people simply allow a cold to run its course, without the need for medication – though decongestants are often taken. These may provide temporary relief but they do not treat the underlying cause, just the symptoms. Side effect may also be a factor, including drying and irritating the lining of your nose, headaches and nausea. A facial steamer or steam inhaler is a very effective and safe method of relieving decongestion. The steam warms up the air in the nasal passageways, thus loosening the mucus and preventing inflammation. The addition of essential oils such as menthol or eucalyptus oil can help the effectiveness of this method and help to further dilate the passageways. Nutritional advice normally centres on avoiding any foods thought to be mucus forming - this typically includes dairy products and refined carbohydrates.
Find a range of natural therapies for the treatment of catarrh on the pages of this site.
