When there are repeated attacks of catarrh, frequent inhalation dust and other allergens, or due to syphilis, catarrh assumes a chronic form. Chronic catarrh normally takes place in two forms viz:
Atrophic Form: In this variety mucus membranes get wasted, there is loss of smell, scabs appear, discharge is offensive, foul smelling, nauseating and difficult to expectorate or drain out. At times nasal cavities may get perforated.
Hypertrophic Form: In this condition, nasal mucus membrane enlarges and blocks the nose; resulting in stingy mucous and thick discharge, there is constant inclination to hawking, in order to clear the throat; hearing is deficient; headache, neuralgic pain etc. In either of the cases, nasal bone (septum) may even waste away.
HOMEO TREATMENT
Try following medicines according to symptoms.
Sticta-30 : Frontal headache, nostrils are dry and scabbed, nose blocked, dry cough—which aggravates while inhaling; even constant blowing of nose fails to provide any relief (in Atrophic form).
Kali Bichrome-30 : It has more powerful effect than sticta and is a specific medicine for chronic catarrh, sense of constriction at the root of nose, scabbing or ulceration of nostrils, mucous discharge is stingy, thick, smell foetid (whether the patient is syphilitic or not).
Kali Iod-6 :It suits syphlitic cases more. Most of its symptoms are identical to those of Kali Bichrome. Other individual symptoms are—ulceration of nostrils, discharge from nostrils is either greenish, black or yellow but is foeted but all the same symptoms appear due to over use of mercury.
Lycopodium-6 : Due to blickade of nose, at night, the patient has to breathe through nose. It is more useful in atrophic variety.
PulsatiIla-30 : Because of frequent and repeated attacks of catarrh, discharge is green or greenish-yellow but is thick and foeted; there is loss of sense of smell and taste, symptoms ameliorate in the cold open places but aggravate in (closed) warm rooms.
Kali Sulph-12 : More effective if Pulsatilla fails; hence more powerful or when there is rattling of throat after use fo Pulsatilla.
Biochemic combination No. 6 (4 Tabs 4 times daily) will be beneficial in almost all acute/chronic conditions of cough, cold and catarrh but Kali Sulph is not included in this combination but is included in biochemic combination No. 5. If you are taking No.5, there is no need to take kali Sulph separately but in No. 6, it has to be used as indicated earlier.
Note: Damage to nasal bone must be avoided. Nasal drainage must also be ensured so that there is no adverse effect on nasopharynx area. If the symptoms prolong, permanent damage to concerned organs can not be ruled out. Hence, immediate corrective and follow up steps should never be delayed. Whichever system of treatment is resorted to, the same must not be given up mid-way in a hush or under despair.
If nasal blockade has been restored, there is lesser chance of further damage or even recurrence of symptoms. Fads, whims or other considerations should not weigh, at all. Chronic catarrh may even lead to (over) growth of polypic that may trigger constant irritation, extra strain on respiratory tract. There could be bleeding from the nose when any attempt to detach (forcibly) crusts and/or growths.
ALLOPATHIC AND AYURVEDIC TREATMENT
Course of treatment recommended for acute catarrh may be adhered to, keeping in view side-effects of certain drugs.
NATUROPATHIC TREATMENT
In Naturopathy, Neti Kriya or simply saline water (lukewarm) inhaled would go a long way in bringing immediate and long term relief but must be performed under guidance of a Naturopath or a Yoga teacher as otherwise water may get stuck up, causing headache etc.