Symptoms of Catarrh
Symptoms of catarrh typically involve excessive mucus build-up in the nose or throat, causing discomfort and irritation. While often associated with a common cold, catarrh can persist in some individuals and significantly affect their daily life, especially when it becomes chronic.
The most noticeable symptom is nasal congestion. This can feel like a blocked or stuffy nose and may cause difficulty breathing through the nostrils. For some, this blockage alternates between nostrils or feels worse at night, disrupting sleep and increasing fatigue.
Postnasal drip is another hallmark symptom. This occurs when mucus runs down the back of the throat, triggering frequent swallowing or coughing. It can lead to a sore throat, hoarseness, or the constant need to clear the throat, especially in the morning.
Mucus overproduction may present as a runny nose, often clear in viral infections or allergies, but can become yellow or green if there’s a bacterial component. The mucus may be thick, sticky, and difficult to expel, contributing to a sensation of heaviness in the face or head.
A reduced sense of smell and taste is common in people with catarrh. This occurs because the swollen nasal tissues and excess mucus block odour molecules from reaching the olfactory nerves in the nose.
Other common symptoms include:
- Facial pain or pressure, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead (especially if sinuses are involved)
- Headaches, often linked to sinus congestion
- Muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ears, especially in children
- Coughing, which may be worse at night or when lying down
Symptoms of Catarrh
In chronic cases, these symptoms can be constant or fluctuate over weeks and months. People with long-standing catarrh often report fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, which stem from poor sleep and constant discomfort.
Recognising the symptoms of catarrh allows for early treatment and prevention of complications such as sinus infections or middle ear problems. If symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks, medical evaluation is advised to rule out structural or allergy-related causes.
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