Catarrh facts for kids

Catarrh (pronounced "ka-TAR") is a common condition where your body makes extra thick fluid, often called mucus. This happens when the lining inside your nose, throat, or sinuses gets swollen because of an infection. It's like your body's way of trying to get rid of germs.

What is Catarrh?

Catarrh is a build-up of thick, sticky mucus. This mucus is made of a mix of normal mucus and tiny cells called white blood cells. These white blood cells are part of your body's defense system, fighting off germs. When you have an infection, the soft, moist lining inside your nose and throat, called the mucous membrane, gets swollen. This swelling makes it produce more mucus than usual.

What Causes Catarrh?

Catarrh is usually a symptom of an infection. Your body creates this extra mucus to trap and wash away the germs that are causing the problem. It's a sign that your immune system is working hard to protect you.

Common Causes

The most common reasons for catarrh are:

• Common colds: These are viral infections that make your nose runny and often lead to thick mucus.
• Coughs: Many coughs, especially those from colds or flu, can cause catarrh in your throat and chest.
• Sinus infections: Your sinuses are hollow spaces in your head. If they get infected, they can fill with thick mucus, causing pressure and pain. This is called sinusitis.
• Tonsil infections: Your tonsils are at the back of your throat. If they get infected, they can swell and cause catarrh.
• Middle ear infections: Sometimes, infections in your middle ear can also lead to catarrh, especially in younger kids.

Other Causes

While infections are the main cause, catarrh can also happen because of:

• Allergies: If you are allergic to things like pollen or dust, your body might react by producing extra mucus. This is often called hay fever.
• Irritants: Breathing in smoke or strong chemicals can also irritate your airways and cause catarrh.

How Does Catarrh Affect You?

When you have catarrh, you might feel a few different things. It can make you feel blocked up, especially in your nose or throat. You might also:

• Have a runny or stuffy nose.
• Feel like mucus is dripping down the back of your throat (this is called post-nasal drip).
• Need to clear your throat often.
• Have a cough.
• Feel a bit of pressure in your face, especially around your nose and eyes.
• Have a reduced sense of smell or taste.

How Can You Feel Better?

Catarrh usually goes away on its own once the infection clears up. However, there are things you can do to feel more comfortable:

• Drink plenty of fluids: Water, juice, or warm tea can help thin the mucus, making it easier to clear.
• Steam: Breathing in steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water (with a towel over your head) can help loosen mucus. Be careful not to burn yourself.
• Saline nasal sprays: These sprays use salt water to help clear your nasal passages.
• Rest: Giving your body time to recover is always important when you're sick.
• Avoid irritants: Try to stay away from smoke or strong smells that might make your symptoms worse.

If your catarrh is very bad, lasts a long time, or you have other worrying symptoms like a high fever or severe pain, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out what's causing it and suggest the best way to feel better.