How to get rid of catarrh

Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in the nose, throat or sinuses. It may feel like mucus running down the back of the throat, a blocked nose, throat clearing, a cough or a hoarse voice. Common triggers include a cold, nasal allergies, sinus inflammation, smoke, dust and dry air. Acid reflux can also irritate the throat and contribute to repeated throat clearing.

The mucus itself is a protective response: it traps particles and helps keep the lining of the airways moist. Its colour alone does not establish the cause. Catarrh that follows a cold often settles as the irritation improves, while recurring symptoms may need a closer look.

Sip water regularly and choose warm drinks if they soothe your throat. Use a saline nasal spray or rinse to loosen mucus; follow the product directions and use sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water for a nasal rinse. Sleep with your head slightly raised if drainage is worse at night.

Avoid cigarette smoke, strong fragrances and dusty air. If allergies seem to trigger the problem, keeping windows closed during high-pollen periods and discussing an antihistamine or nasal steroid with a pharmacist may help. Do not use a decongestant nasal spray beyond the recommended duration, because congestion can rebound. Treatment is more effective when the underlying trigger—such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis or reflux—is addressed.

Arrange a medical review if catarrh lasts for several weeks, keeps returning, disrupts sleep, or comes with facial pain, fever, wheezing, troublesome cough, bad breath or reduced sense of smell. A clinician can examine the nose and throat and consider allergy, sinus disease, reflux or another cause.

Seek urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, confusion, a severe headache with a stiff neck, or coughing up blood. These symptoms need prompt assessment rather than home treatment.

Ask what may be causing the mucus, whether your symptoms fit allergy, sinus inflammation or reflux, and which nasal products are suitable for you. Mention how long the symptoms have been present, whether they vary by season or position, and any medicines you already use.