It is quite possible that those catarrh sufferers who also have runny nose will benefit from a steroid nasal spray. Those who do not have a runny nose do not usually find such sprays helpful. On the whole, antibiotics do not seem to be helpful. Simple remedies such as saline nasal rinses, which can be made at home or purchased over the counter at a pharmacist, are reported by some sufferers to give partial relief of their symptoms.
These need to be used regularly 3 or 4 times per day and over a long period of time, for as long as it provides benefit. Homeopathy practitioners often have an interest in managing catarrh although again there are no reliable studies to say whether or not homeopathy can be proven to work for catarrh.
Because chronic catarrh is known to affect people for so long without any real change in their symptoms, it is possible that your doctor or your specialist will not feel it necessary to monitor you for this problem. That is not to say that they do not believe that your symptoms are genuine, but rather that they are happy that the symptoms do not indicate anything worrying or serious.
If you experience new symptoms, such as blocked nose, runny nose, impairment of smell, sinus pain, sore throat, change in your voice or difficulty with swallowing, you should inform your doctor about it.
A great number of uncertainties surround chronic catarrh, ranging from what it is to what causes it and this makes it very difficult for doctors to manage satisfactorily. It is important to take account of this when looking for treatment or cures on the internet — a great of variety of internet sites claim to be able to cure catarrh by various means but with very little evidence to back up these claims.
Do remember that if doctors thought these internet treatments worked, then the treatments would almost certainly be available on the NHS. However, there are some steps you can take in your day-to-day life that may reduce your risk of developing catarrh, including:. If they think an underlying condition like allergies, GERD, or a nasal polyp is causing your condition, they may order additional tests. These can include steroid nasal sprays like Nasacort or bronchodilators like Atrovent.
Additionally, if an underlying condition is causing your catarrh, your doctor will work to treat that. For example, they may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial sinus infection or medications for GERD. Children can also have catarrh. Generally speaking, the condition is quite similar for both adults and children. However, there are some additional things to be aware of when it comes to catarrh in children.
As in adults, catarrh in children is often associated with things like infections, allergies, or environmental irritants. Some additional risk factors for children include:. Catarrh also has similar symptoms in adults and children. However, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology notes that while other symptoms may occur, persistent cough is sometimes the only noticeable symptom in children.
Like in adults, catarrh in children is rarely harmful and will often ease over time. Some additional tips for alleviating catarrh symptoms in children include:. However, see your doctor or other healthcare provider if you or your child has symptoms of catarrh that happen along with:. They can then work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. The best way to treat a common cold is to focus on alleviating the symptoms until the infection has run its course.
OTC pain relievers can help relieve symptoms like fever, headache, and aches and pains. Some options include ibuprofen Advil, Motrin , aspirin , and acetaminophen Tylenol. There are many types of OTC medications that can help relieve cold symptoms like nasal congestion, watery eyes, and cough. Consider these OTC medications:. Some cough and cold medications have caused serious side effects in young children and infants, such as slowed breathing. The common cold is contagious.
This means that it can be passed from person to person. Most colds symptoms typically get better within a week or two. Generally speaking, you should see a doctor if symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement. Additionally, there are some other symptoms to watch out for. Follow up with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms:.
In adults, the common cold typically clears up in about 7 to 10 days. Children may take slightly longer to recover — up to 14 days. Instead, treatment focuses on symptom relief. You can do this by drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest, and taking OTC medications where appropriate. The common cold and the flu may seem very similar at first. Here's what you need to know to correctly identify a cold and get the treatment you need. Definition Symptoms Causes Seeing a doctor Diagnosis Treatment Summary Catarrh is the medical term for a buildup of mucus in the back of the nose, throat, or sinuses.
What is it? Share on Pinterest A person with catarrh may feel the need to clear their throat frequently. When to see a doctor.
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