Catarrh is the medical term for a buildup of mucus in the back of the nose, throat, or sinuses. Doctors sometimes refer to catarrh as postnasal drip.

Often, catarrh is the result of an intermittent or temporary illness, such as an allergy or cold. It typically goes away once the illness has passed.

However, some people may experience chronic catarrh that persists for months or even years. It is not usually a cause for concern, but it can be a nuisance to live with.

This article explains what catarrh is and outlines some of its symptoms and causes. It also provides information on diagnosing and treating chronic catarrh.

What is it

Share on PinterestA person with catarrh may feel the need to clear their throat frequently.

The term catarrh, or postnasal drip, describes a buildup of mucus in the back of the nose, throat, or sinuses.

Mucus is a slippery, fluid substance that the mucus glands in the nose and throat produce. It helps moisten the nasal passages while trapping any debris, viruses, or bacteria a person inhales. This helps prevent pathogens from getting into the body, where they could cause an infection.

Symptoms

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
• having to swallow frequently
• difficulty swallowing
• a sore throat
• a blocked or stuffy nose
• a headache
• facial pain
• a loss of taste or smell
• difficulty sleeping

Causes

There are many potential causes of postnasal drip. They include:

• changes in weather conditions
• eating spicy foods
• hay fever, or allergic rhinitis
• nonallergic rhinitis
• viruses, such as the common cold
• sinus infection
• nasal polyps
• gastroesophageal reflux (GER)
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• hormone changes during pregnancy
• certain medications

In children, having something stuck in the nose is a common cause of catarrh.

When to see a doctor

A person should visit their doctor if they experience chronic catarrh that has persisted for several months or more, or if they find that catarrh is interfering with their everyday life.

People should also seek medical help if catarrh is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• an unexplained high fever
• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• blood in the mucus
• foul-smelling mucus

These symptoms can signal an infection or condition that requires prompt medical treatment.