BLOCKED NOSE & CATARRH ADVICE: CAUSES & TREATMENTS

Losing the battle against congestion? Take a deep breath (if you can) and get ready to grab life by the horns - we’re about to show your blocked airways who’s boss.

In this guide, we’re diving into the causes, symptoms, and treatments for the most common types of congestion, including blocked noses caused by colds, flu, and allergies, as well as catarrh/post-nasal drip. 

If you want to clear a blocked nose or are looking to get rid of catarrh fast, you’re in the right place. It’s time to get bullish with your congestion…

FIND RELIEF FAST: OUR QUICK GUIDE

• What is a blocked nose?

• Blocked nose symptoms

• What are the causes of a blocked nose?

• How to treat a blocked nose

• Overuse of decongestants

• What is catarrh/post-nasal drip?

• What causes catarrh/post-nasal drip?

• How to treat catarrh/post-nasal drip

• Medicines for catarrh and post nasal drip relief

• What to avoid with a blocked nose or catarrh

A blocked or stuffy nose, also known as nasal congestion, is when your nasal airways become blocked by mucus or inflamed blood vessels in your sinuses. 

It’s not usually a cause for concern and generally clears up on its own within a week or two.

Blocked noses can be caused by a number of different things, but the most common are colds and flu, sinus infections and allergies or hay fever. 

A blocked nose caused by colds and flu typically lasts from between 5 to 10 days, though it may last up to 14 days depending on your immune response and the severity of infection. 

Sometimes blocked noses can also be caused by irritants like smoke, dust and pollution.

HOW TO CLEAR A BLOCKED NOSE

While a blocked nose will typically clear on its own, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Here are our go-to methods to help relieve and get rid of a blocked nose fast: 

• Steam inhalation - a hot bath, shower, or steam bowl can help to soften and thin mucus in the nasal passages to reduce the effects of a blocked nose
• Decongestant sprays - decongestant sprays can help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages to make breathing easier (always follow the label)
• Keep the air in your bedroom moist – dry air can further irritate the lining of your nose and throat, whereas moist air can soothe irritated tissues 
• Drink plenty of fluids – stay hydrated with water and juices which can dilute mucus for easy expulsion
• Try antihistamines – if your nasal congestion is being caused by an allergy to things like pet hair or dust, antihistamines can help to alleviate symptoms, fast

Covonia Vapour Drops can provide effective relief from a blocked or stuffy nose caused by colds and flu, hay fever, allergies, and more. Containing menthol and peppermint oil, simply sprinkle a few drops onto a handkerchief and inhale the vapour.

Available in all major supermarkets, retailers, and pharmacies, and on Amazon.

RHINITIS MEDICAMENTOS: OVERUSE OF DECONGESTANTS

Decongestants, such as nasal sprays, can be effective against blocked or stuffy noses as a result of colds, flu, allergies, and sinusitis. They work by thinning the blood vessels to reduce swelling and inflammation that cause difficulty breathing in the first place.

If you regularly use decongestants, nasal congestion can persist even after recovery from respiratory infections (such as colds and flu) or when not exposed to allergies or irritants. This is known as Rhinitis medicamentosa or rebound congestion.

Rhinitis medicamentosa is a type of chronic nasal inflammation which occurs from long-term overuse of decongestants. While decongestants may initially help to relieve inflammation and congestion caused by a cold or irritant, nasal tissues may become dependent on them, resulting in a recurring blocked nose and congestion that leads to further overuse.

Congestion and symptoms will ease as usage is reduced; always follow advice and directions on the decongestants you use.

Catarrh, also called postnasal drip, is a medical term for a build-up of mucus or phlegm in an airway or cavity of the body. 

It’s most commonly found in the nose, throat or sinuses. Having catarrh can make you feel like you constantly need to cough, have a blocked throat, difficulty swallowing or a sore throat. It is a symptom of an underlying cause and will usually clear up on its own.

Symptoms of catarrh or post-nasal drip often include:

• The feeling of mucus or phelgm dripping down the back of the throat

• A persistent cough

• The feeling to constantly swallow or clear your throat

• A runny nose

Catarrh is caused by inflammation or irritation of the nasal and throat lining, which causes it to create mucus to prevent pathogens from getting into the body. 

Common catarrh causes include allergic reactions, hay fever, allergic or nonallergic rhinitis and sudden changes in weather conditions.

It is also possible to get catarrh following a cold or flu.

Catarrh usually lasts from a few days up to a few weeks and typically clears on its own (if symptoms persist longer than a few weeks, contact your GP). Fortunately, there are remedies and treatments that help to reduce the symptoms of catarrh or post-nasal drip fast. The following can help ease symptoms of catarrh throughout the day:

• Sleep with your head on a high pillow – this will help stop the build-up of catarrh in your sinuses

• Use steam inhalations to liquefy mucus – this could be a hot shower or warm compress

• Keep the air in your bedroom moist – dry air can further irritate the lining of your nose and throat, whereas moist air can soothe irritated tissues

• Avoid dry environments - particularly those caused by air conditioning, central heating, and dehumidifiers 

• Drink fluids instead of clearing your throat - clearing your throat with catarrh can make symptoms worse. If you feel the need to clear your throat, gently sipping cold or room temperature water can help to resist this

MEDICINES FOR CATARRH AND POST-NASAL DRIP RELIEF

If you want to lead the charge against catarrh and relieve symptoms fast, Covonia offers a range of medicines to get rid of catarrh irritation and mucus build-up.

Covonia Catarrh Relief Formula contains extracts of Burdock root, Hyssop herb, and a mixture of anti-catarrh herbs that are traditionally used to relieve nasal and throat catarrh. 

Covonia Vapour Drops are also available and contain menthol and peppermint oil to help alleviate congestion and discomfort in the nose and throat that can result from post-nasal drip.

Covonia Cattarh remedies are available in all major supermarkets, retailers, and pharmacies across the UK, and can be found online on Amazon.