Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

226 • HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPDISORDERCATARRHCatarrh is the intermittent discharge of runny or viscous fluid, ormucus, from the nose. This may alternate with a stuffy, blocked-upfeeling. Catarrh may be a symptom of an infection, such as a coldor influenza (see page 224), or sinusitis (see below). Alternatively,catarrh may be part of an allergic reaction to a number of things,including pollen or dust (see Hay fever, page 224), cigarettesmoke, chemical pollution, gas or oil fires, central heating or airconditioningsystems, certain drugs, or cold and damp. These maycause irritation of the mucous membranes, which stimulates mucusproduction in an attempt to lubricate the membranes and removethe irritation. A cough (see page 228) may develop if catarrh dripsdown the back of the throat.SELF-HELP Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid eating dairy products, bread,and potatoes—which may increase mucus production—for a coupleof weeks and make a note of any changes to symptoms. Takecombination Q tissue salts (see page 216).SINUSITISThe sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones around the nose.Sinusitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes lining thesinuses due to infection or allergy. The cavities may fill up withmucus, creating pressure that in turn causes pain. Symptomsinclude a blocked nose, general malaise, possibly a headacheover one or both eyes, and tender cheeks with pain resembling atoothache. The condition is aggravated by stress.SELF-HELP Take care when blowing your nose: blow one nostril ata time. Humidify all rooms, and inhale steam. Rest, drink plentyof fluids, and take combination Q tissue salts (see page 216).Avoid eating dairy products, bread, and potatoes. If you smoke,stop. Do not use decongestants repeatedly.CAUTION If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, consult a doctor.If you are in severe pain, see a doctor within 12 hours.SPECIFIC AILMENTThick, white catarrhCatarrh resembling thewhite of a raw eggCatarrh with constantlyrunny noseCatarrh with extremesensitivity tostrong smellsSinusitis withstringy catarrhSinusitis accompaniedby tearfulnessSinusitis withfacial tendernessPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Thick, white catarrh in the second stage of acold after the initial inflammation of mucousmembranes has subsided• Catarrh flows down the nose or the backof the throat• Watery catarrh may be so profuse thatit is necessary to hold a handkerchiefbelow the nose• Loss of smell and taste• Nose runs constantly with need to blowit all the time• Catarrh is yellow or green, watery, burning,thick, and stringy• Crusts and cracks inside the nostrils thatmake blowing the nose painful• Nose may bleed• Heightened sense of smell may make even thescent of flowers unbearable• Stringy, stretchy, greenish-yellow catarrh• Nose feels blocked, with loss of smell• Catarrh drips down the back of the throat• Violent sneezing• Pain above the eyes, in the right cheekbone, oron the right side of the face generally• Yellow catarrh• Nose feels blocked• Facial bones are tender, even to theslightest touch• Excessive yellow catarrh and sneezing• ChillinessSORE THROATA relatively mild irritation or a more serious infection, such aslaryngitis (see page 228), may produce a sore throat. Soreness mayaffect the whole throat or specific areas such as the larynx, tonsils,adenoids, pharynx, or vocal chords. Symptoms include a drymouth and throat, discomfort on swallowing, an unpleasant tastein the mouth, bad breath, fatigue, and fever. They may be madeworse by cold and damp, overusing the voice, smoking, foodallergy, being run down, or emotional stress.SELF-HELP Take garlic preparations. Drink plenty of fluids. Garglewith a solution of calendula and hypericum (see page 271).CAUTION If symptoms last for more than one week, or if loss of voicepersists, see a doctor. If there is high fever, children should see adoctor within 12 hours, adults within 48 hours. If the tonsils areinflamed and accompanied by fever, see a doctor within 12 hours.Acute, painful sore throatRaw, burning sore throatSoreness extending tothe neck and ears• Throat looks red and feels dry, rough,constricted, burning, and tingly• Extreme thirst, usually for warm drinks, but atinfrequent intervals• Skin is dry and hot• Very painful throat with thick saliva andhoarse voice• Possible cold sores or urticaria (hives)• Desire for cold drinks• Unpleasant taste in the mouth• Pain on swallowing• Body feels alternately hot and cold due to fever• Exhaustion, weakness, and shakiness• Head is heavy and feels as though it is bound