Topic:Catarrh

Topic:Catarrh

Introduction:

Catarrh is a build up of mucus in an airway or cavity of the body. The factors that could lead to catarrh are numerous,as the excessive build-up of mucus could occur due to several conditions like allergies,viral illnesses and bacterial infections.

Therefore it is very common to see catarrh throat and respiratory tract,when a person suffers from hay fever,sinusitis or even a common cold.In most cases catarrh in the throat is caused by an inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Catarrh usually affects back of the nose,the throat or sinuses.(air filled cavities in the bones of the face)

It's often temporary,but some people experience it for months or years.This is known as chronic catarrh.

Catarrh can be a nuisance and be difficult to get rid off but it's not harmful and there are treatments available.

Symptoms associated with catarrh.

Catarrh can lead to a;

-Constant need to clear your throat

-Feeling that your throat is blocked

-Blocked or stuffy nose that you can't clear

-Runny nose

-Feeling of mucus running down  the back of your throat

-Persistent cough

-Headache and facial pain

-Reduced sense of smell and taste

-Cracking sensation in your ear and some temporary hearing loss. The problems can be frustrating to live with and may affect your sleep,making you feel tired

Treatment for catarrh

Catarrh will often pass in a few days weeks as the condition that causes it improves.

There are things you can try at home to relieve your symptoms such as;

-Avoiding things that triggers your symptoms such as allergies or smoky places

-Taking sips of cold water wen you need to clear your throat.Constantly clearing your throat may make things worse

-Using a saline nasal rinse several times during the day,these can be bought from the pharmacy or made at home with half a teaspoon of salt in a pint of boiled water that's been left to cool.

-Avoid warm,dry atmospheres,such as places with air conditioning and car heating systems,placing plants or bowls of water in a room may help to keep the air humid.

-Stay well hydrated

-Talking to a pharmacist about suitable over the counter medications including,decongestants,antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays.

Remedies for catarrh

20 table spoons of honey mixed with 15 spoons of lime juice

Dosage

Children:one teaspoon 3 times daily

Adults:one tablespoon 3 times daily.Also get little scent leaves(nunum),squeeze it in your Palm and drop the fluid inside the nose and repeat until nose is clear.

Credit: Madam Elizabeth Bugyei (Health practitioner)