Catarrh and sinusitis

Catarrh is the excessive build-up of mucus in one of the airways, or cavities, of the body. Most people associate catarrh with a blockage of the nasal cavities, although it can occur in other parts of the body including:

• Throat
• Ears
• Chest

Catarrh is not a condition in itself – it is a symptom of another underlying condition, typically an infection, such as the common cold. Sometimes, it can also be a response to an allergic reaction.

Acute and chronic catarrh

Most cases of catarrh are acute, which means that they will pass within a few days once the body fights off the underlying infection. However, some people can experience chronic catarrh, either due to an allergic reaction, or because they have structural abnormalities in their nasal cavities.