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Treatment of Catarrh

Catarrh is not serious, but it can be annoying and it can lead to other infections of the sinuses or middle ear.

The main type of drug treatment for catarrh is decongestants, which can be bought over the counter from a pharmacy.

Decongestants cause the blood vessels in the nose to narrow which reduces the volume of blood reaching the nose lining. This reduces any swelling within the nose. Decongestants can be taken by mouth as tablets or in liquid form, or can be applied as nasal sprays or drops.

Decongestants are effective for the short term relief of congestion in adults, but should not be used for any more than a few days at a time. When taken in tablet or liquid form, they may cause side effects including irritability, fast heart rate, palpitations, headache, and insomnia. If you have high blood pressure, any use of decongestants should be discussed with your doctor. There is less risk of side effects when taken using a nasal spray or drops.

These medications sometimes have additional side effects in children, but special children’s versions are available from pharmacies.

One non-drug method that can be helpful for treating catarrh is the steam method. Fill a bowl with hot water with some menthol crystals if preferred. Put a towel over your head and bend over the bowl, inhaling the steam. It will help soften the catarrh and let it drain into the back of the throat.

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