Advice from WellBN
Blocked nose / sinusitus: Treat yourself with steam inhalations (from pharmacy) twice daily with menthol/eucalyptus; Saline nasal rinses are exceptionally effective at loosening thick mucus to help clear blocked nasal passages.
Please note that decongestants should not be used for more than three days as they can cause rebound congestion and dry out the mucous membranes. For more information please click here.
Post nasal drip:
If your symptoms persist, last longer than three weeks please request an appointment.
Research has highlighted the importance of Gut health and that our Gut microbiome is responsible for as much as 70% of our immune system. For tips on how to improve yours click here
Catarrh
Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in your nose and sinuses and phlegm in your throat. It usually clears up by itself but see a GP if it lasts longer than a few weeks.
Check if you have catarrh
You may get catarrh if you have an infection like a cold, flu or sinusitis.
Symptoms of catarrh include:
- a constantly blocked nose
- feeling like there’s a lump or something stuck in your throat
- a frequent need to swallow or cough to try to clear your throat
- a feeling that mucus is slowly dripping down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
- a crackling feeling in your ears
These symptoms usually only last a few days, but sometimes they can last longer.
Things you can do to help ease catarrh
Although catarrh can be annoying, phlegm and mucus are not harmful and are the body’s way of clearing infection.
It usually goes away by itself, but there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms.
- drink plenty of water
- sip ice cold water when you need to clear your throat, rather than coughing or swallowing
- try using a humidifier to help loosen the mucus in your nose and throat
- try using an extra pillow in bed so you sleep in a more upright position, rather than lying flat
- try gargling with salt water
- try rinsing your nose with salt water
You could ask a pharmacist about:
- decongestants and other medicines to help relieve catarrh
- salt water nose rinses – you can get several types, including specially designed bottles, nasal sprays and sachets
Causes of catarrh
Catarrh is your body’s natural reaction to things like infection.
The lining in your nose, sinuses and throat becomes swollen and creates more mucus than normal.
Causes of catarrh include:
When should you seek medical help?
If you have the symptoms of catarrh for more than 3 weeks request an appointment
We may need to rule out other conditions that could be causing your catarrh, such as nasal polyps.
If your catarrh is caused by nasal polyps, we may prescribe steroid spray or nose drops. If these do not work, surgery may be needed to remove the polyps.