Catarrh

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 and chest.

It is a symptom usually associated with the common cold and chesty coughs, but can also be found in patients with infections of the middle ear, sinus or tonsils. Sometimes, it can also be a response to an allergic reaction. The catarrh may either discharge or cause a blockage which may become chronic.