What should you know about catarrh mucus?

Mucus traps particles and helps protect the lining of the nose and throat. During a cold, allergy flare, sinus irritation, dry weather, or exposure to smoke, the amount or thickness can change. Drainage may feel like a lump, coating, tickle, or need to swallow. Some people cough mucus up; others mainly feel it sliding down from the nose.

Colour alone cannot establish the cause. A blocked nose, sneezing and itchy eyes may point towards [Allergic Rhinitis](/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/), while facial pressure and nasal blockage can occur with [Sinusitis](/conditions/sinusitis/). Reflux may cause throat irritation and a mucus-like feeling even when the nose is clear.

Sip water, avoid tobacco smoke and other airborne irritants, and consider saline spray or rinse for nasal mucus. Wash hands and use clean equipment for any rinse. Gentle nose blowing is preferable to repeated forceful throat clearing. If symptoms follow a known allergy, reduce exposure and ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable treatment.

If mucus and cough continue, an assessment can distinguish upper-airway drainage from [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/) or [Chronic Sinusitis](/conditions/chronic-sinusitis/). Seek advice before using decongestant sprays for longer than the product instructions.

Get urgent help if mucus comes with severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, choking, inability to swallow fluids, or swelling of the throat or face. Arrange medical review for blood in mucus, persistent fever, chest pain, worsening facial pain, or symptoms that do not settle or repeatedly disrupt sleep.

Ask whether the mucus is coming from the nose, chest, or reflux; whether an allergy or sinus examination is needed; and which saline, allergy, or reflux measures are appropriate for you.