In this we will understand about common condition can stem from illnesses like the cold or allergies, leading to symptoms such as a persistent need to clear the throat, coughing, and a stuffy nose.
What is Catarrh or Najla?
Catarrh is locally known as Najla — or postnasal drip — is a medical term used to describe an overabundance of mucus in the nasal back, sinuses or throat.
The catarrh is typically caused by an ongoing or short-term illness, such as a common cold, or allergy. It often just resolves with the illness itself.
Catarrh, or postnasal drip, is a buildup of mucus in the back of the nose, throat or sinuses.
Mucus is a slick liquid that the mucus glands in the nose and throat secrete. It helps dampen the nasal passages while capturing any debris, viruses or bacteria someone breathes in. This helps keep pathogens out of the body, where they could lead to an infection.
The body produces 1–2 liters of mucus every day. After it is produced, mucus drips down the back of the nose and into the throat.
What are the symptoms of Catarrh?
Some common symptoms of catarrh include:
- A tickling feeling of mucus draining into the throat
- Rasping or gurgling when talking
- Feeling as though there is a lump in the throat
- Having to clear the throat frequently
- Coughing
- Difficulty swallowing
- A sore throat
- A blocked or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Facial pain
- Loss of taste or smell
- Difficulty sleeping
- Having to swallow frequently
What are the causes of Catarrh?
There are many potential causes of postnasal drip. They include:
- Changes in weather conditions
- Eating spicy foods
- Viruses, such as the common cold
- Sinus infection
- Nasal polyps
- Gastroesophageal reflux (ger)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd)
- Hormone changes during pregnancy
- Certain medications
- Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis
- Nonallergic rhinitis
When to see a doctor?
You should see their doctor if they have chronic catarrh that last for months or longer, or if they find that catarrh affects everyday life.
Someone should also seek medical attention if catarrh goes together with any one of the following:
- An unexplained high fever
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in the mucus
- Foul-smelling mucus
How to diagnose Catarrh and what tests are needed?
An individual suffering from chronic catarrh may consult with a doctor for a diagnosis of the cause.
As part of the consultation, the doctor will ask the individual symptoms to determine if they might have:
- Bacterial infections
- Allergies
- Nasal polyps
- GER or GERD
Other test that are available at Ganesh Diagnostic-
- Sinusitis Package (Book Now)
- Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer (Book Now)
- CT PNS SCAN (Book Now)
- Brain CT scan (Book Now)
- CT paranasal sinuses (Book Now)
- Stomach CT scan (Book Now)
- Head CT scan (Book Now)
- Shoulder CT scan (Book Now)
- Neck CT scan (Book Now)
- Pelvic CT scan (Book Now)
- Heart CT scan (Book Now)
- Spinal CT scan (Book Now)
- Leg CT scan (Book Now)
- Foot CT scan (Book Now)
To help with diagnosis the doctor may inspect the person's throat or inside the person's nose using a small hand-held torch.
Treatment - Catarrh is a symptom of an underlying problem, and by and large, catarrh itself is not harmful. However, a person may seek help for the underlying cause of persistent catarrh, especially if it involves pain, discomfort, or irritation.
Home remedies of Catarrh:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Using an indoor humidifier
- Inhaling the steam during a hot shower
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Using a saltwater solution to clean the insides of the nostrils
- Sleeping on propped up pillows
- Avoid eating spicy food
- Caffeine involved food beverages
- Alcohol
Conclusion
The word catarrh means that mucus is building up in the back of the throat, nose, or sinuses.
Catarrh can be caused by many things. In most instances, the patient will improve once the underlying illness is gone.
Catarrh may be chronic in certain cases, lasting for months or years. Catarrh is usually not serious but sometimes can be bothersome. OTC and home remedies may help with symptoms, but chronic catarrh that has altered a patient's daily life may require prescription-strength medications.
FAQS
Q. What is catarrh?
Catarrh — or postnasal drip — is a medical term used to describe an overabundance of mucus in the nasal back, sinuses or throat.
Q. How to get rid of the catarrh issue?
If you’re having issues with catarrh, book your appointment at the best imaging centre in Delhi, The Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre and get an infectious diseases test, nasal test, nasal polyps test etc.
Q. What is the other name of Catarrh?
The other name of Catarrh is Najla or postnasal drip.
