Understanding Catarrh in Adults and Children - Healthline
Understanding Catarrh in Adults and Children - Healthline |
Understanding Catarrh in Adults and Children - Healthline Posted: 28 Sep 2020 05:30 AM PDT Many of us have experienced the feeling of mucus trapped in our nose or throat. The sensation can sometimes lead to discomfort or a constant urge to swallow or clear your throat. This condition is called catarrh. It's when mucus builds up in your nose, sinuses, or throat. Another term for catarrh is "postnasal drip." Keep reading to learn more about catarrh in adults and children, some common risk factors, and how the condition can be treated. Catarrh is when mucus accumulates in your nose, throat, or sinuses. The word "catarrh" comes from an ancient Greek phrase meaning "to flow down." In fact, if you have catarrh, you may feel as if mucus is slowly dripping down the back of your throat. The word "catarrh" isn't very common in the United States. Another term for catarrh that you may be more familiar with is "postnasal drip." It's believed that catarrh happens when your body responds to things like an infection or an irritant. This reaction can cause swelling in your nose and sinuses, leading to an increase in the amount of mucus that's made. Catarrh is often only temporary. However, in some people, it can become chronic. While it's unclear what causes chronic catarrh, it's believed to occur due to an increased awareness of and sensitivity to symptoms affecting the nose and throat. Catarrh is most commonly associated with the following factors:
Because a variety of different factors are associated with catarrh, it can sometimes be hard to prevent. In some cases, the exact cause of your symptoms may not be identifiable. However, there are some steps you can take in your day-to-day life that may reduce your risk of developing catarrh, including:
The symptoms of catarrh can include: There aren't any specific diagnostic tests for catarrh. In most cases, people are said to have catarrh based on the sensations they're feeling in their nose and throat. If you see your doctor for catarrh, they'll ask for your medical history and perform a physical examination. If they think an underlying condition like allergies, GERD, or a nasal polyp is causing your condition, they may order additional tests. You can do the following things at home to help ease catarrh:
When at-home care isn't effective, your doctor may prescribe other medications to help ease your symptoms. These can include steroid nasal sprays like Nasacort or bronchodilators like Atrovent. Additionally, if an underlying condition is causing your catarrh, your doctor will work to treat that. For example, they may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial sinus infection or medications for GERD. Children can also have catarrh. Generally speaking, the condition is quite similar for both adults and children. However, there are some additional things to be aware of when it comes to catarrh in children. As in adults, catarrh in children is often associated with things like infections, allergies, or environmental irritants. Some additional risk factors for children include: Catarrh also has similar symptoms in adults and children. However, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology notes that while other symptoms may occur, persistent cough is sometimes the only noticeable symptom in children. Like in adults, catarrh in children is rarely harmful and will often ease over time. Some additional tips for alleviating catarrh symptoms in children include:
Additionally, if catarrh is persistent or long-lasting, see your healthcare provider to determine whether it's being caused by an underlying health condition. They can then work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Typically, catarrh lasts only for a period of days or weeks. Often, it goes away as the underlying condition that's causing it improves or is treated. There's currently no specific cure for chronic catarrh. Because of this, individuals with chronic catarrh often implement a variety of home, OTC, or prescription remedies into their daily lives to help manage their symptoms. Catarrh happens when mucus builds up in your nose, sinuses, or throat. It can affect both adults and children. You may also see catarrh referred to as postnasal drip. Catarrh is associated with a variety of factors, such as infections, allergies, and irritants. Some of the common symptoms include feelings of nasal stuffiness or congestion, frequent swallowing or clearing of the throat, and persistent cough. Typically, catarrh goes away on its own and can be treated at home by using a humidifier, saline washes, or OTC medications. See your doctor or other healthcare provider if catarrh is persistent or occurs with shortness of breath, unexplained fever, or bloody mucus. |
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