The conversion from sensation to symptom: the case of catarrh, a qualitative study

There is significant variation in symptom tolerance before seeking healthcare advice and it has recently been postulated that there may be a similar variation in the degree to which individuals tolerate deviations in physiological body sensations before considering them symptoms. This study looked to explore this transition from sensation to symptom more closely using the clinical entity of chronic catarrh - a frequently presenting problem which represents a putative alteration of a physiological process.

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

19 adult patients presenting with chronic catarrh, persistent throat clearing or post-nasal drip.

Secondary care institute in North of England.

Subjects' accounts revealed three changes in perception of nasopharyngeal mucus that triggered the transition from sensation to symptom: an apparent change in viscosity, quantity, or constancy. Such changes were invariably deemed to have a consequence (threat to wellbeing, social impact, or source of frustration) and invariably drew a response from the sufferer to limit these consequences.

Symptoms representing an aberration of normal body sensations likely develop over time in a series of recognizable phases. Discriminatory markers appear to exist which delineate those body sensations accepted and those considered symptoms. These are discussed with the use of a novel symptom evolution pathway diagram.