What is the Difference Between Catarrh and Coryza

The key difference between catarrh and coryza is that catarrh is an inflammatory condition of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, while coryza is an inflammatory condition of the lining of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity.

Inflammation in the upper respiratory tract is a common condition that occurs in most individuals. There are different types and etiologies of this disease condition. Some conditions are mild, and some infections are severe. Catarrh and coryza are two mild inflammatory conditions that affect the membranes of the nasal cavity and throat. Both conditions possess similar etiologies but vary in affected sites and symptoms.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Catarrh
3. What is Coryza
4. Similarities – Catarrh and Coryza
5. Catarrh vs Coryza in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Catarrh vs Coryza

What is Catarrh?

Catarrh is an inflammatory condition of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. In other terms, catarrh is a disease condition that involves the build-up of mucous in an airway or a cavity of the body. Catarrh normally affects the back of the nose and most of the air-filled cavities of the facial bones (sinuses) and the throat. Catarrh is a temporary condition that may go off in a few hours, but in some individuals, it may continue for months or years. Prolonged catarrh is called chronic catarrh. Catarrh affects the quality of life, causing discomfort. It is not a harmful condition, and treatment is available.

The symptoms associated with catarrh include a blocked nose, mucous running down the back of the throat, persistent cough, headache and facial pain, throat blockage, and temporary hearing loss. The causes of catarrh include cold and infections, hay fever or allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, etc. The cause of chronic catarrh is unclear. Treatment for catarrh includes medication such as antihistamines, decongestants, and steroid nasal sprays. Preventive measures include avoiding allergens and smoke, avoiding warm and dry atmospheres, and staying hydrated.

What is Coryza?

Coryza is an inflammatory condition of the lining of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity. Coryza describes the inflammation of the mucous membrane lining that causes different symptomatic reactions such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, and running nose. The etiology of coryza does not always depend on an infection or an allergy. It may occur due to simple reasons such as cold wind and spicy food. Coryza may also occur due to the triggering of tender points in the muscles of the neck, such as the sternocleidomastoid. Another significance of coryza is that it indicates narcotic withdrawal.

The treatment for coryza depends on the etiology. If it is allergy-based, antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants work as therapeutics. If coryza is viral-based, natural immunity will reduce the inflammation in 05-07 days.

What are the Similarities Between Catarrh and Coryza?

Catarrh and coryza occur due to inflammation.
They possess common symptoms like nasal congestion, throat blockage, etc.
Moreover, both can occur due to allergic reactions.
Common medication for both conditions includes antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.

What is the Difference Between Catarrh and Coryza?

Catarrh is an inflammatory condition of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, while coryza is an inflammatory condition of the lining of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity. Thus, this is the key difference between catarrh and coryza. Moreover, symptoms of catarrh include a blocked nose, mucous running down the back of the throat, persistent cough, headache and facial pain, throat blockage, and temporary hearing loss. Whereas, symptoms of coryza include nasal congestion, loss of smell, running nose, etc. This is another difference between catarrh and coryza. Besides, severe condition of catarrh leads to chronic catarrh, while no specific severe condition is associated with coryza.

The below infographic presents the differences between catarrh and coryza in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Catarrh vs Coryza

Catarrh is an inflammatory condition of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Coryza is an inflammatory condition of the lining of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity. Both catarrh and coryza can occur due to allergic reactions. So, this is the key difference between catarrh and coryza. Common medication for both conditions includes antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.

Reference:

1. “Catarrh.” NHS Choices, NHS.
2. “Coryza / the Common Cold / Viral Rhinopharyngitis / Rhinitis.” OzEMedicine – Wiki for Australian Emergency Medicine Doctors.