Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity in your body, such as the sinuses, nose and throat1. It’s often temporary and can be caused by a cold, infection, nasal polyps, hay fever and other allergies2
Postnasal drip is commonly associated with the symptoms of catarrh. This is when excess mucus drips from the back of the nose into the throat. Postnasal drip and catarrh’s symptoms are similar and the causes and treatments are also linked3.
Catarrh isn’t harmful, but it can be irritating if mucus in your throat won’t go away, and you have a feeling of constant catarrh that you regularly try to clear4. Decongestants and other remedies for catarrh can help provide relief from these uncomfortable symptoms5.
Learn more about what catarrh is, its causes, symptoms and treatments.
Catarrh symptoms
Catarrh symptoms can be annoying and uncomfortable to live with, as you may feel like there’s mucus in your throat that won’t go away.
Constant throat clearing to try and get rid of this is a common symptom of catarrh6. This may result in a persistent catarrh cough, which can get worse at night, affecting your sleep and making you feel tired7.
Depending on where the catarrh mucus builds up, it may also lead to an ear or sinus infection8.
Some other common catarrh symptoms can include9:
A blocked, stuffy and/or runny nose.
Headache and/or pains in your face.
It feels like mucus is stuck in your throat and running down the back.
A reduced sense of smell and taste.
Temporary hearing loss and a crackling in your ear.
Sore, scratchy throat with a hoarse voice10.
While some of these symptoms of catarrh can overlap with other conditions, if it feels like mucus is stuck in your throat, nose and chest and you don’t have any other signs of a common cold or allergies, it may be due to catarrh in the throat.
Catarrh treatment options
In many cases, getting rid of catarrh should take a few days or weeks once the underlying cause or condition starts to clear up18.
However, catarrh symptoms may still be uncomfortable and tiring – whether it’s trying to clear the constant phlegm in your throat or the irritation of a blocked nose. There are a few things you can try to soothe and relieve many of these symptoms while waiting for the condition that’s causing your catarrh to clear up.
Some potential catarrh treatments include19:
Avoiding triggers for your catarrh symptoms – such as allergens and smoky environments.
Sipping cold water rather than coughing, as throat clearing could make symptoms worse.
Using a saline nasal rinse or nasal spray for catarrh, such as SUDAFED® Natural Relief Spray, a few times each day. Alternatively, you can create your own by putting half a teaspoon of salt in a pint of boiling water, then leaving to cool before rinsing your nose with it.
Staying away from warm, dry atmospheres where possible – such as rooms with air conditioning or close to car heaters.
Placing plants or bowls of water in warm, dry rooms where you spend a lot of time to increase the humidity.
Keeping well hydrated throughout the day.
When to see a doctor about catarrh
If you experience chronic catarrh that lasts for a few months or longer, or it becomes hard to live with, then speak to your GP20. They may identify an underlying cause, such as nasal polyps or allergies, and refer you for specialist treatment21.
You should also seek medical attention if your catarrh symptoms include22:
A high fever.
Mucus that contains blood or has a foul smell.
Wheezing and shortness of breath.
What causes catarrh?
The main causes of catarrh are triggered by your immune system reacting to an infection or irritant23. This can lead to the lining of your nose and throat swelling up and producing excess mucus that drips down the back of your throat.
Common triggers and causes of catarrh can include:
The common cold, flu and other viral infections.
Hay fever and allergies to dust, pet dander and other common allergens.
Sinus infection or sinusitis.
Non-allergic rhinitis.
Nasal polyps.
There are also other potential causes of catarrh that aren’t related to infections or allergies. These may include24:
Hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy or from using oral contraceptives.
Environmental factors such as weather changes, being surrounded by smoke, fumes, smog and pollution.
Problems with nasal structure such as a deviated septum, which can cause problems with mucus drainage.
Certain spicy foods that increase mucus production.
The exact causes of chronic catarrh aren’t clear. Medical experts don’t believe they’re related to allergies or infection. Instead, it could be due to an increased sensitivity to mucus or if it travels abnormally within the nose25.
Foods that may cause catarrh
When we eat, our bodies produce saliva to help us chew, swallow and digest food26. Producing mucus is also a sign your body’s working as it should. It normally mixes with saliva to drip down your throat without being noticed.
However, research has linked eating some foods with excess or thick mucus which may cause catarrh27. Spicy foods in particular could increase mucus production and lead to symptoms of catarrh28.
Eating foods that you’re allergic to could be one reason for producing more mucus than usual29. It’s the same for certain ingredients, even if you’re not allergic to them.
Research has shown foods that cause catarrh can include30:
Dairy products – milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter and eggs.
Breads, pasta and cereal.
Fruit and vegetables – bananas, cabbage, potatoes.
Corn and corn products.
Soy products.
Sweets and desserts.
Drinks – tea, coffee, soda and alcoholic beverages.
Red meat.
Just as there are foods that are thought to cause catarrh, there are also various foods and drinks that could help reduce your mucus production31.
Whether you want to prevent catarrh coming on or help get rid of catarrh by cutting your mucus production, these foods may help32:
Fish – salmon, tuna, sardines and flounder.
Fruits – grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, pumpkin (and pumpkin seeds).
Roots – celery, ginger, onion and garlic.
Watercress.
Pickles.
Honey or agar.
Cayenne pepper.
Chamomile.
Olive oil.
Broth.
Decaffeinated tea
Catarrh frequently asked questions
Some of the best catarrh treatments include staying hydrated, sipping cold water – as constant throat clearing could make things worse – and avoiding warm, dry places. Some foods, like honey or ginger, can also be used as natural remedies for catarrh in the throat. You can also use suitable over-the-counter medecine33.
Catarrh is when you have excessive catarrh mucus in an airway or cavity in your body. Phlegm is a thick, sticky type of mucus34. When you experience catarrh, you often have constant phlegm in your throat due to your body producing more mucus.
Our bodies produce mucus to line the tissues of our bodies and help protect us from infection35. It means it’s perfectly natural to produce mucus and phlegm every day. However, producing too much mucus, thick mucus, or mucus that has an abnormal colour, could be a sign of illness36.