What is the Difference Between Catarrh and Coryza?

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The main difference between catarrh and coryza lies in the specific location of the inflammation within the mucous membranes.

  • Catarrh refers to an inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It is characterized by a blocked nose, mucous running down the back of the throat, persistent cough, headache, facial pain, throat blockage, and temporary hearing loss. Catarrh can be acute or chronic, with chronic catarrh being a more severe and long-lasting condition.
  • Coryza, on the other hand, is an inflammatory condition of the lining of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity. Symptoms of coryza include nasal congestion, loss of smell, and a running nose. Coryza is generally considered acute and resembles a common cold.

Both catarrh and coryza can occur due to allergic reactions or infections, and they share some common symptoms, such as inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. However, the specific location of the inflammation and the severity of the conditions differentiate catarrh from coryza.

Comparative Table: Catarrh vs Coryza

Here is a table comparing the differences between catarrh and coryza:

Feature Catarrh Coryza
Definition 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.
Symptoms Blocked nose, mucous running down the back of the throat, persistent cough, headache, facial pain, throat blockage, and temporary hearing loss. Nasal congestion, loss of smell, and running nose.
Duration Catarrh can be chronic. Coryza is generally acute and resembles a common cold.
Treatment Depends on the cause, may include avoiding allergens, nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants. Depends on the cause, may include avoiding allergens, nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants.

Both catarrh and coryza can occur due to allergic reactions or infections, but they affect different areas of the respiratory system and present different symptoms.