What Is Catarrh?

Are catarrh, rhinitis and post-nasal drip the same thing?

Yes. Rhinitis is defined as the inflammation of your nasal tissues.² Rhinitis is commonly accompanied by rhinorrhea, which is a runny nose.² A runny nose occurs when mucus is discharged from the nose due to colder outdoor temperatures or by the flu, a cold or allergies.² Sometimes, a runny nose and a congested, stuffy nose occur at the same time, due to the tissues lining the nose becoming inflamed.² This inflammation may make it difficult to breathe, and mucus may run out of your nose.² When you have too much mucus that drips down the back of your throat from your nose, it’s called post-nasal drip.^2,3 It’s a symptom of rhinitis that is characterized by throat clearing and frequent swallowing due to irritation from the mucus.³

What causes catarrh?

A runny nose and its corresponding post-nasal drip can be linked to lots of causes. Some possible reasons that your nose might be secreting more mucus than usual include:^2,3

• Common cold
• Cold weather
• Flu
• Allergies
• Gustatory rhinitis, which results in a runny nose after eating certain foods
• Pregnancy and birth control pills
• Some high blood pressure medications
• Irregular nose cartilage

What’s more, the type of mucus your nose produces can depend on the irritant. Thin, clear nasal secretions are usually due to a cold or cold temperatures.³ Thicker nasal secretions can be the result of warm, dry air in the nasal cavity, sinus infections and allergic reactions, especially to dairy products.³ Post-nasal drip can lead to a sore throat due to mucus causing irritation as it drips down the back of your throat.^2,3

How do I manage catarrh?

A runny nose associated with a cold will typically go away on its own, but understanding what’s causing the inflammation, or rhinitis, can help it to go away more quickly.² When post-nasal drip is associated with allergies, it can be best managed by avoiding the causes.³

Catarrh can be irritating; the inflamed nasal passages may make it difficult to breathe, and the post-nasal drip can give you a sore throat. Thankfully, there are a few ways to manage these symptoms at home so that you can find some relief:^2,3

• Get lots of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use a humidifier by your bed if your congestion is due to warm, dry air
• Avoid caffeine

There are over-the-counter medications that can help the mucus secretions to pass more easily. Look for products that contain mucus-thinning agents like guaifenesin.³ Nonprescription saline nasal sprays can help to keep nasal cavities moist and relieve symptoms by loosening the mucus in your nose.^2,3

Can I prevent catarrh?

While there’s no way to fully prevent a runny nose or post-nasal drip, practicing good hygiene can stop germs from spreading and keep you from getting sick.² A runny nose is often a symptom of a more contagious condition, so take steps to keep yourself healthy and consider your sick etiquette.²

One of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands often and throw away used tissues after wiping or blowing your nose.² Instead of coughing or sneezing into your hands, use the inside of your elbow to cover your mouth.² Clean and disinfect common surfaces like door handles, bathroom fixtures and phones to prevent germs from spreading from person to person.²

It can feel like catarrh is sidelining you, thanks to uncomfortable sinus pressure, a sore throat and a runny nose. But if you take care of yourself, you should be feeling better in no time.