What should you know about chronic catarrh?

You may feel mucus at the back of your throat, need to clear your throat, cough, or notice a blocked or runny nose. The mucus can be clear, thick or change during an infection. Persistent symptoms deserve assessment when they interfere with sleep, eating, breathing or daily activities.

Catarrh is a symptom rather than a single diagnosis. Allergic rhinitis can increase nasal secretions after exposure to triggers such as dust, pollen or animal dander. Sinus inflammation may cause congestion, facial pressure and mucus draining towards the throat. Acid reflux can irritate the throat and create a need to clear it, sometimes without obvious heartburn.

The sensation is often called postnasal drip. A clinician may ask whether symptoms are seasonal, linked to a place or activity, worse when lying down, or accompanied by cough, wheeze, fever, facial pain or reduced sense of smell.

Drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration, and consider saline nasal spray or a saline rinse if it is suitable for you. Follow the product instructions and use safe water for any rinse. Keeping bedroom air comfortably humid may reduce throat irritation, while smoke, strong fragrances and dusty air can aggravate symptoms.

If you suspect an allergy, note the trigger and discuss suitable treatment with a pharmacist or clinician. If reflux seems relevant, mention symptoms that worsen after meals or when lying down. Do not use decongestant nasal sprays for longer than the label allows, because overuse can worsen blockage.

Arrange a medical review if catarrh persists, repeatedly returns, or is accompanied by troublesome cough, facial pain, fever, bad-smelling discharge, nosebleeds, swallowing difficulty or unexplained weight loss. A clinician can examine your nose and throat and decide whether allergy, sinus disease, reflux or another cause needs treatment.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, confusion, or inability to swallow fluids. These symptoms can signal a problem that needs prompt attention rather than home care.

Ask: Could this be allergy, sinus inflammation or reflux? What details should I record about triggers and timing? Would a nasal examination or other test help? Which spray or medicine is appropriate for me, and how long should I use it? What changes should prompt an earlier review?