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Nasal Congestion
Catarrh is an excessive build-up of mucus in one of the airways or cavities of the body. It is usually found inside the nose, but it can also occur in the throat, ears, or chest. Catarrh is not a condition in itself, but a symptom of a condition such as: the common cold or another infection, hay fever or other type of allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis (sensitivity to environmental triggers), or nasal polyps (fleshy swellings inside the nose).
Most cases of nasal catarrh are acute, passing within a few days once the body fights off the underlying infection. However, some people have chronic (persistent) catarrh, either due to an allergy or because there is an abnormality inside their nose, such as nasal polyps. The symptoms of acute catarrh can usually be relieved by taking a short-term course of decongestants. Treatment for chronic catarrh will depend on the underlying causes. The symptoms often associated with catarrh include:
• a blocked and stuffy nose • a runny nose or mucus running down the back of the throat
• an irritating, persistent cough caused by excess mucus at the back of the throat
• headache
• facial pain caused by a blocked nose and blocked sinuses
• a loss of smell and taste
• temporary partial hearing loss and a crackling sensation in the middle ear
• tiredness
Catarrh is caused by the immune system reacting to an infection or irritation in one of the cavities of your body, such as inside the nose. The immune system will send infection-fighting white blood cells to the source of the infection or irritation. The white blood cells cause the linings of your cavity to swell and produce mucus. This swelling also narrows the cavity, which causes decongestion. The most common triggers of catarrh are: • infections, such as the common cold • allergic reactions, for example, reactions to pollen or dust mites (allergic rhinitis) Less commonly it can be caused by nonallergic rhinitis or nasal polyps. Non-allergic rhinitis is caused by abnormally sensitive blood vessels that react to environmental triggers, such as cigarette smoke and pollution. This sensitivity causes the blood vessels to expand much like they do in response to an infection or allergic reaction. This swelling leads to congestion and catarrh. Triggers of non-allergic rhinitis include chemical irritants, such as smoke, perfumes or paint fumes, changes in the weather, such as a drop in temperature, alcohol, spicy food or being stressed.
Nasal polyps are non-cancerous, fleshy swellings that grow from the lining of the nose or sinuses. They can prevent mucus from properly draining out of the sinuses, leading to congestion and catarrh.
Decongestants
In most cases of acute catarrh, the underlying infection should pass quickly without the need for treatment. A blocked nose can be relieved by using OTC decongestants, which help to relieve a blocked nose by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in the nose.
The inside of the nose is lined with many tiny blood vessels. When these blood vessels are irritated by something, such as an infection or an allergy, more blood flows to them as part of the body’s immune response. This extra blood makes your blood vessels swell up so they block the nasal airway, making it difficult to breathe normally through the nose. Decongestant medicines do not often cause side effects. Any that may be experienced are likely to be mild. Possible side effects of decongestant nasal sprays may include: • irritation to the lining of your nose • headaches
• nausea
Steam inhalation
Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling) water may help to soften and loosen the build-up of mucus in the nose. Adding menthol or eucalyptus oil to the water eases the blocked nose and catarrh. Steam inhalation is not recommended as a treatment for children because of the risk of scalding.
Saline sprays
Saline (salt water) sprays or drops can also soften and loosen the mucus and help relieve symptoms.
Chronic catarrh
The recommended treatment for chronic catarrh will depend on the underlying cause. For example, rhinitis can usually be managed by avoiding the environmental triggers or allergens that cause catarrh. Symptoms can sometimes be relieved by using a nasal spray that contains corticosteroids. Small nasal polyps can often be shrunk using a nasal spray that contains steroids. Larger polyps may need to be removed with surgery.
WWho? Anyone – Nasal congestion is not a condition, but a symptom of
WWhat are the symptoms? a blocked and stuffy nose, not being able to
breathe normally thorough the nose
HHow long have they had the symptoms? Decongestants should not
be used for more than five to seven days at a time. This is because they only provide short-term relief, and using them for any longer can make symptoms worse
AAction already taken? People may have tried steam inhalation and
saline spray
MMedication? Decongestants should not be given to people who are
