Nasal congestion
Introduction
Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity of the body.
It usually affects the back of the nose, the throat or the sinuses (air-filled cavities in the bones of the face).
It's often temporary, but some people experience it for months or years. This is known as chronic catarrh.
Catarrh can be a nuisance and may be difficult to get rid of, but it's not harmful and there are treatments available.
This page covers:
Symptoms associated with catarrh
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 13 Dec 2016
Introduction
Catarrh is an excessive build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity of the body. Find out why it happens, what treatments you can try and when your GP can help.
Symptoms associated with catarrh
Catarrh can lead to a: constant need to clear your throat feelingthat your throat is blocked blockedor stuffy nose that you can't clear runny nose feeling of mucus running down the back of your
Treatments for catarrh
Catarrh will often passin a few days or weeks as the condition that causes it improves. See What causes catarrh? below for more information. There are things you can try at home to relieve your symp
When to see your GP
Speak to your GP if your catarrh persists and is becoming difficult to live with. They may want to rule out conditions that could be causing it, such as nasal polyps or allergies . This may mean youn
What causes catarrh?
Catarrh is usually caused by the immune system reacting to an infection or irritation, which causes the lining of your nose and throat to become swollen and produce mucus. Thiscan be triggered by:
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