Treatment for catarrh depends largely on the underlying cause.
Acute catarrh
In most cases of acute catarrh, the underlying infection should pass quickly without the need for treatment. You may wish to relieve a blocked nose by using:
- decongestants
- steam inhalation
Decongestants
Decongestant medicines can help to relieve a blocked nose by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose.
Many decongestants can be bought over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription. They can be taken as a tablet or as a nasal spray. Decongestants that are taken by mouth may take a little longer to work but their effect can last longer than nasal sprays.
Do not use decongestants for more than five to seven days at a time. This is because they only provide short-term relief, and using them for any longer can make your symptoms worse.
Decongestant medicines do not often cause side effects. Any that you may have are likely to be mild. Possible side effects of decongestant nasal sprays may include:
- irritation to the lining of your nose
- headaches
- nausea (feeling sick)
For more information, see the Health A-Z topic on decongestant drugs.
Steam inhalation
Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling) water may help to soften and loosen the build-up of mucus in your nose. You may also find that adding menthol crystals or eucalyptus oil to the water eases your blocked nose and catarrh. Steam inhalation is not recommended as a treatment for children because of the risk of scalding.
Chronic catarrh
The recommended treatment for chronic catarrh will depend on the underlying cause.
For example, rhinitis can usually be managed by avoiding the environmental triggers or allergens that cause catarrh. Symptoms can sometimes be relieved by using a nasal spray that contains corticosteroids (drugs that reduce inflammation). For more information, see Treating non-allergic rhinitis and Treating allergic rhinitis.
Small nasal polyps can often be shrunk using a nasal spray that contains steroids. Larger polyps may need to be removed with surgery. For more information, see Treating nasal polyps.
