Sipping water can help ease symptoms like itchiness, which you may be tempted to deal with by cleaning your throat. Clearing your throat can actually make catarrh worse, so sip water when you feel the temptation to clear you throat. Carry a water bottle with you at all times. This way, if you want to clear your throat, you can quickly sip water instead. Keep a water bottle with you at school or work. Make sure to drink water with meals. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Usually, you use a small suction device with a bulb on the end to draw the nasal saline spray in. You then insert the tip of the device into your nose and squeeze the bulb to release the spray. [4] X Research source You then breathe in through your mouth. The solution should come out the opposite nostril. You can blow your nose to get rid of any remaining solution. This does not work for everyone. If your symptoms worsen using decongestant sprays, talk to your doctor about other medications to explore.
Young children should not use this method.
Some of the most inflammatory foods include gluten, dairy, and sugar, so you might look into cutting these out first.
Do not use over-the-counter medications without consulting a pharmacist, especially if you have health conditions or are taking existing mediations. Some medications are not safe for everyone. You can also try Mucinex to help thin out mucus. Make sure to drink lots of water along with the medication.
You may have to undergo an allergy test to rule out allergies. Treatment depends on the cause of your catarrh. Nasal polyps, for example, may be treated with nasal sprays that contain steroids.
If you have any allergens you know of, such as pollen, minimize your exposure to them throughout the day. Smoky places tend to trigger catarrh, so stay away from areas prone to smoke.
If you work in an office that uses an air conditioner or heater, request to sit away from the unit to avoid triggering catarrh.
You can buy a humidifier online or at a department store.