Cold and catarrh: what should you know?

You may feel mucus at the back of the nose or throat, need to clear your throat, cough, or notice a hoarse voice. A cold can make nasal secretions thicker and increase drainage as the lining settles. Allergic rhinitis may cause recurring clear mucus and sneezing. Sinus inflammation can bring facial pressure or a change in smell, while acid reflux can irritate the throat and create a lump-like sensation without a large amount of mucus.

The colour or thickness of mucus alone cannot identify the cause or show that antibiotics are needed. Consider the timing, associated symptoms, irritants and whether the problem is improving.

Sip fluids, rest, and try a saline nasal spray or rinse made with safe water. Gentle nose blowing can clear secretions; forceful blowing may worsen pressure. Avoid smoke and strong fragrances. If throat clearing becomes frequent, take small sips of water instead of repeatedly scraping the throat. A pharmacist can explain suitable options for nasal symptoms, while a clinician can assess persistent allergy, sinus or reflux features.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow fluids, swelling of the face or throat, coughing blood, or sudden severe illness. Arrange an appointment if catarrh lasts beyond the expected recovery from a cold, repeatedly returns, causes ongoing voice change, or comes with significant facial pain, persistent fever, weight loss or night sweats. A cough that continues should also be assessed rather than attributed to mucus alone.

Ask whether your symptoms fit postnasal drip, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis or acid reflux. Mention when the mucus appears, whether it is linked to meals or sleeping, and any medicines you use. Ask whether a nasal examination or a separate cough assessment would help.