Catarrh Treatment Methods

Catarrh is a condition that occurs when mucus builds up in one of the body's cavities or airways. In most cases, it affects the sinuses, throat, or back of the nose. Oftentimes the condition is temporary, but some individuals have experienced chronic catarrh, where their symptoms persist for months or even years. Though catarrh can be annoying, it doesn't cause harm, and many simple treatment options are available to help. Catarrh can cause a variety of symptoms throughout the face and throat. Patients may feel like their throat needs constant clearing or is blocked. Their nose may feel permanently stuffed. Patients may also have a headache, persistent cough, runny sinuses, and experience temporary hearing loss. Learn about how to treat catarrh now.

Avoiding Triggers

One of the most effective methods of symptom relief is by avoiding triggers. Many common aspects of life have the potential to trigger catarrh symptoms, such as places with high smoke and pollution levels. Individuals in areas with frequent fires may want to wear a mask. Individuals who suffer from allergies may see a reduction in their symptoms if they avoid allergens such as dust, mold, and pet dander. It helps to keep the bedroom free of pets and to vacuum frequently. Individuals should also dust the surfaces in their home regularly and make sure the bathroom is scrubbed frequently enough to prevent mold growth. If you're aware of the factors that trigger symptoms, mitigate them as much as possible. It may help to talk to a doctor about the best way to avoid triggers in your day-to-day life.

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Sip Water When Throat Needs Clearing

Clearing your throat often won't help the situation, as much as it feels like it will. Patients who constantly clear their throat may dislodge mucus or cause their throat to become sore. Instead of clearing your throat as you might normally, try sipping water when your throat needs clearing instead. Cold water is the best option, as the temperature helps numb the throat so you can't feel the discomfort of needing to clear it. It also provides moisture that will keep your throat from feeling so dry. It's hard to stop clearing your throat once you've gotten in the habit, but try to bring a water bottle with you to as many places as possible anyways.

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Use Saline Nasal Rinse

A saline nasal rinse has the potential to treat some of even all symptoms of catarrh. Saline nasal rinses are available at pharmacies, though it is also possible to make a homemade rinse by boiling water, letting it cool, and adding a small amount of salt. Nasal irrigation can be used with many kinds of nasal issues and is easy to do from home. All individuals have to do is pour the saline solution into one nostril. As the substance flows through the nasal cavity and comes out through the other nostril, allergens and mucus come with it. Saline solutions are easy to come by and often the go-to remedy for individuals who need a quick fix for their nasal issues.

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Avoid Warm And Dry Atmospheres

Some individuals might be surprised to find warm and dry atmospheres are actually worse for catarrh than wet, chilly ones. Even though we associate wet and chilly weather with runny noses, avoid warm and dry atmospheres when dealing with catarrh. Dry atmospheres don't have a lot of moisture in the air, and this lack of moisture causes the throat, nose, and even the mouth to dry out. Patients will feel an increased need to clear their throat and drink water. Individuals who live in a consistently dry area should put bowls of water or plants in the room. It's also possible to buy a humidifier, which will work specifically to add moisture to whatever room it's in.

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Use A Decongestant

Decongestants are medicines available through the pharmacy. Patients can usually purchase them over the counter, so there is no need to worry about getting a prescription from a doctor. The goal of decongestants is to give a patient short term relief when they're suffering from a stuffy or blocked nose. These medications are commonly used to treat symptoms associated with catarrh, colds, flu, and allergic reactions. They cause the blood vessels found in the nose to contract. When the nose is less swollen, the airways open up. Decongestants can be found in a multitude of different forms. Some are flavored powders that can be dissolved in hot water, some are syrups or liquids, and others are taken in capsule or tablet form. Even more are used as nasal sprays.