CONGESTIVE catarrh is that thick, clear, green or yellow mucous that comes out of our noses, down our throats and often clogs up our lungs. You might call it mucous, phlegm or simply catarrh!
But whatever the name, it can really be a nuisance especially with the foggy harmarttan chill in the air.
Defining this uncomfortable symptom, Dr. Jude Eromosele says, “Catarrh is nothing but inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nasal and throat passages, including other cavities such as the ear and chest, resulting in the secretion of excess mucus.
“It is a defence mechanism that the body activates when responding to the threat of an infection.”
Often catarrh is not a disease on its own rather, it is usually an underlying reaction of some other problem like a common cold or an allergic reaction. Catarrh can also be a reaction to spicy foods, dust, cigarette smoke, over-dry air, or cold, damp conditions.
According to health professionals, these bouts of catarrh are usually relatively quick episodes that tend to diminish as soon as the irritant is removed. It is easier to recognise these causes and have control over them.
Most of the time, no treatment is needed nor is recommended to cure catarrh that goes away within a week. However, in some cases, catarrh is chronic, lasting more than a week or so. In such situations have it checked with a health care provider as it could be an indication of some other more chronic illness.
Some of the symptoms of catarrh medical experts advice we watch out for are mucus running on the back of the throat or a feeling of phlegm trickling down the throat.
Also a sore throat accompanied by persistent cough brought on by the tickling sensation of the mucus present at the back of the throat can be a sign. Headaches and pain or discomfort in face and back of the throat as the nasal cavity often indicate the airways are clogged with mucus.
Other symptoms are feeling completely drained out and tired, a temporary inability to smell and taste or a crackling sensation in the middle ear.
In more severe cases, pain or discomfort in the ear when using elevators, when flying, or even when using swimming pools may be experienced. This is due to a difference in pressure experienced in these situations, commonly referred to as barotrauma.
Tips to prevent catarrh
SEASONAL illness usually starts with a sniffle and certain food stuff increase mucus production in the throat thereby worsening the condition. Listed are some of the foods that cause catarrh in the throat.
Avoid milk and milk-based products as they tend to increase mucus in the throat. This is because milk contains a substance called casein that stimulates excess mucus production.
Black tea such as Lipton and caffeine increase the mucus secretion in the throat.
Salt, sugar and soy also tend to increase throat mucus.
Refined carbohydrates like white breads and white flour products.
Milk is not only mucous forming in many people but it encourages the proliferation of fermentation bacteria in the intestinal tract, which can cause digestive problems. Hard high fat cheese should be eaten in moderation, if at all, but cottage cheese and other low fat cheeses usually cause no problem.
While some meals can increase the build up of mucus, other foods help limit or reduce catarrh in the throat. Some of these foods include honey, ginger, chili peppers and cayenne peppers.
Drinking plenty of water and feasting on foods containing vitamins A, E and zinc are essential too.
Ways to get rid of catarrh
GETTING rid of catarrh often just involves giving the body sufficient rest to heal itself. However, there are several home remedies and diets that have been used to treat or soothe this problem.
It is important to identify the underlying cause of catarrh in order to treat it effectively. If the catarrh is caused by a cold, the best thing to do is to keep the mucous membranes moist and mucus thin.
Steam inhalation is one of the most useful techniques that can be used for catarrh. This is one of the most commonly recommended options on how to get rid of catarrh after a cold. Boil around 6 cups of water in a large pot and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to it, once the water comes to a boil. Place the boiling pot on a flat surface, wait for around 5 minutes before bending your head directly over the water. Cover your head as well as the pot with a large towel, so that you trap all the steam within. Take in deep breaths and inhale the steam vapours for as long as you can. Take a break and raise your head for a few seconds, so that the steam does not cause too much discomfort to your skin.
Gargling with warm water, at least three times a day, for about four or five days continuously also helps. This not only brings about instant relief from the annoying symptoms, but also controls the problem of excess mucus production.
Raise the humidity level in the house to help keep the nose clear. The air can become extremely dry in winter with the heat running, so it is important to increase humidity. Whole house humidifiers can be attached directly to a furnace. If you don’t have one you can supplement the humidity by using a portable humidifier in each room. It is advisable to leave the humidifier on in the bedroom overnight.
A warm compress may be applied to the face when the catarrh is particularly thick and is blocking the nasal passages or causing pain. Heat a wet cloth and place onto the face, over the nose and cheeks. Apply as often as needed. This will help loosen the thick phlegm that is stuck in the passageways. Alternatively, use a facial steamer or steam inhaler. The steam warms up the air in the nasal passageways, thus loosening the mucus and preventing inflammation.
Drink plenty of water to keep the mucus loose and the membranes moist. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as caffeine tends to further restrict the membranes.
Try to avoid medicated nasal sprays, as these may cause over drying. The sprays only provide temporary relief and they can become habit forming. There may be long term adverse effects in using medications to dry the sinuses. Once the medication wears off, the sinuses can become too dry or swollen.
Certain herbal remedies can be helpful in clearing the nasal passageways and reducing mucus production. Eucalyptus oil aids in opening the nasal passageways. It can be used as a tincture and applied to a cloth. Drinking hot mint tea is also good for clearing the nose.
Finally, increase your intake of vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C. Be sure to get plenty of rest. Cut down on the intake of mucus producing foods such as dairy products, wheat and processed foods.
If the catarrh is caused by allergies such as dust, pollen, mould, smoke or animal dander, a room-sized air cleaner can help filter the air. This will eliminate the irritant and help clear the catarrh more quickly.
