Catarrh

To find out more about catarrh, please click on the links below.

1. What is catarrh?
2. How much of a problem does catarrh pose?
3. How common is catarrh?
4. Can catarrh be treated?

1. What is catarrh?

   Catarrh itself can be a frustrating condition, since it has no real definition. It is associated with a whole host of other conditions – see elsewhere on this site and seems itself to cover a whole spectrum of conditions, from rhinitis and nose allergy, to snoring, bad breath and tonsil problems. Modern day dictionaries generally describe it as: the feeling of an increase in production of mucous at the back of the nose. In non-medical terms it is usually synonymous with "postnasal drip", a runny nose or a congested throat. In a survey of patients and general practitioners, over 80% felt it was due to "frequently feeling the need to swallow nasal secretions", the closest medical term for this being postnasal drip.

   Other symptoms associated with catarrh include: snoring, sleep apnoea, bad breath, tonsilloliths, sore throats, tonsillitis, dry cough, choking attacks, blocked nose, thick nose secretions, sneezing, allergy, rhinitis, headache, facial pain, loss of smell, nausea and lethargy.

2. How much of a problem does catarrh pose?

   Catarrh can lead to a number of problems, for example:

   • the need to continually clear the throat
   • the feeling of a lump at the back of the tongue
   • dry tickly cough
   • post nasal drip
   • other throat symptoms, eg snoring, bad breath, tonsilloliths, sore throats

   If untreated, catarrh can persist for many years, and may be the cause of considerable distress, both to the sufferer and those around them.

   The late Richard Nixon was prone to regular throat clearing, particularly when nervous, or under stress. The throat clearing form of catarrh is classically caused by a long uvula, which is so long that it sits on the back of the tongue, making the patient believe there is something there which needs to be cleared. This particular catarrhal symptom is associated with a lump sensation in the throat, a dry tickly cough, and postnasal drip, this group of symptoms often being called “long uvula syndrome”.

3. How common is catarrh?

   Catarrh is a common problem, affecting around 20% of the population.

   Catarrh seems to be most marked in the 40 – 59 year old age group, with an incidence of around 15% of the general population, male and female. If the other associated symptoms are included, then the incidence of catarrhal symptoms in the adult population is over 50%. There is some evidence to suggest that these symptoms are predominantly conditions associated with polluted areas, with dust being one of the exacerbating factors. Also, a lifestyle associated with stress, processed food, an overweight population, alcohol etc., exposure to infections through living in a close society and an indoor lifestyle are also linked to catarrhal symptoms.

4. Can catarrh be treated?

   The treatment of catarrh is directed to its cause, which may range from nasal allergy, to acid regurgitation from the stomach into the throat. Those suffering from catarrh should consider referral to an ENT specialist with experience in this area.

   ---

   The London Laser Clinic can treat all the forms of catarrh mentioned here. Click here to see treatment options.