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 inhale. This helps prevent pathogens from getting into the body, where they could cause an infection.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of catarrh
• Rasping or gurgling when talking
• Tickling feeling of mucus draining into the throat
• 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 of sleeping
Can we prevent Catarrh?
It is recommended that you avoid things which can trigger catarrh (such as smoky places or allergens) and take sips of cold water when you feel the need to clear your throat. It is important to note that constantly clearing your throat may make things worse. Catarrh can also be caused by warm and dry atmospheres like air conditioning or car heating. So, if you can avoid these environments, combined with staying well hydrated should help.