Catarrh is a prehistoric Greek word that means “Flow down.” Another word for catarrh is “postnasal drip.”
Catarrh is an ailment that involves an accumulation of mucus in the back of your nose which if it drips down the back of your throat, would also accumulate there. It also accumulates in your sinuses. The accumulation causes the lining of your nose and throat to swell and secrete mucus.
What Are Sinuses?
Sinuses are the air-filled holes or hollow spaces within the bones between your forehead, cheekbones, and eyes.
What is a Chronic Catarrh?
Chronic Catarrh is an endless ailment. Your Catarrh ailment is supposed to be a temporary one, but, when it seems unending, like one that is moving from a few weeks to months and years, then, it has become a chronic one.
What causes Catarrh?
- The immune system is reacting to an infection.
- The immune system is reacting to irritation.
- Cold or flu.
- Dust or any powdery substance.
- Being around smoke or fumes.
- Weather change or your type of environment can be the cause of your catarrh.
- Nasal polyps: Soft and painless growth on the lining of your nose.
- Spraying or inhaling cologne, perfume, or any kind of fragrance.
- Pet dander: Pet dander is composed of tiny spots of skin shed by birds, rodents, cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and so on can be the cause of your catarrh.
- Eating spicy foods can also cause catarrh.
- Allergic rhinitis or non-allergic rhinitis: Inflammation of the inner nose that is caused by an allergy, or not caused by an allergy.
What causes Chronic Catarrh and its prevention?
Chronic catarrh is a result of your continuous usage or presence around the things triggering your catarrh. You would continue to have a chronic catarrh if you repeatedly use or associate yourself with what is causing your catarrh.
For instance, if you are the type that uses a perfume or fragrance every day whether you are going out or not, you may keep having catarrh non-stop. This is because your immune system is reacting to such fragrance, so, that means you are allergic to that fragrance, and before you know it, you get a stuffy, runny, or itchy nose.
One of the best ways to stop a chronic catarrh is to stop inhaling or spraying a fragrance, strong fragrances in particular. Perfumes in particular contain essential oils and alcohol in large amounts. The chemicals used in making them are affecting your immune system, and harming your health.
But if you must spray a fragrance, try to get an effective nose mask, and don’t spray it too close to your face, nose, or body, at least maintain some distance.
Honestly, there is this fragrance I use that leaves me with unending catarrh. The moment I stopped using it, the catarrh ceased.
Also, some fragrances of the following items: Tissues, Candles, Landry detergents may trigger catarrh. If you keep inhaling them, your catarrh will never end. You will always have an itchy nose, even if it is not runny.
You can further prevent catarrh by disassociating from other allergies or irritants that trigger your catarrh. Try a humidifier to add moisture to your home. Lastly, keep your surrounding and linens clean.
Symptoms of Catarrh
- When you sense a nasal congestion
- When you constantly clear your throat
- Throat discomfort
- Blocked nose/Inability to blow your nose properly.
- Headache
- Persistent cough
- Facial pain
- Constant cough
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Crackling sensation in your ear
How do I treat Chronic Catarrh?
- You should drink enough water to keep you hydrated. Staying hydrated will help thin mucus in your nose and throat.
- Use a recommended nasal spray to reduce the amount of mucus your body makes
- Regularly gargle with a saline solution )Salt and water mixture).
- Stay away from things triggering your catarrh; allergens, smoky or powdery places.
- Take something hot like tea mixed with honey, and have a hot bath.
- Take Ginger as it has anti-inflammatory properties
- Warm compress: You should avoid warm, dry atmospheres like places with air conditioning and car heating systems
- Humidifier: You can place plants or bowls of water in a room to keep the air humid
- You can talk to a pharmacist about suitable over-the-counter medicines.
- You can buy herbal medicines from health shops and pharmacies that specialize in treating catarrh.
- You can visit your doctor and follow his/her instructions.
References
https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/infections/a5569/catarrh/
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/nasal-allergy-trigger-fragrances
https://www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/37/catarrh/
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