Chronic Catarrh
Catarrh is the excessive build-up of mucus in one of the airways, or cavities, of the body. Most people associate catarrh with a blockage of the nasal cavities, although it can occur in other parts of the body including:
- Throat
- Ears
- Chest
Acute and chronic catarrh
Most cases of catarrh are acute, which means that they will pass within a few days once the body fights off the underlying infection. However, some people can experience chronic catarrh, either due to an allergic reaction, or because they have structural abnormalities in their nasal cavities.Symptoms
The symptoms that are often associated with catarrh are listed below.- A blocked and stuffy nose.
- An excessive discharge of mucus from your nose, or down the back of your throat. The mucus can be thin and watery, or thick and stodgy.
- An irritating, persistent cough that is caused by excess mucous at the back of your throat.
- Headache.
- Facial pain that is caused by blockages in your nasal passages and sinuses (small cavities inside your cheekbones and forehead).
- Loss of smell and taste.
- Temporary, partial hearing loss and a crackling sensation in your middle ear.
- Tiredness.
Causes
Catarrh is caused by your immune system reacting to infection, or irritation, in one of the cavities in your body. 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 cavities to swell, producing mucus. The swelling also narrows the cavities. It is this combination of excessive mucus production and the narrowing of the cavities that is responsible for the symptoms of catarrh, such as a blocked nose and facial pain.Triggers of catarrh
Catarrh can be triggered by:- an infection, such as a cold, and
- an allergic reaction, such as your nose reacting to pollen, or dust mites. This is known as allergic rhinitis.
For reasons that are unknown, some people have abnormally sensitive blood vessels and, environmental triggers, such as cigarette smoke, can make the blood vessels expand, leading to congestion, an excess of mucus, and the symptoms of catarrh. This is known as vasomotor rhinitis, or non-allergic rhinitis.
Triggers of vasomotor rhinitis include:
- chemical irritants, such as smoke, perfumes, or paint fumes,
- changes in the weather, such as a drop in temperature,
- alcohol,
- spicy food, and
- stress.