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Post-nasal drip is a condition that people can often find confusing. What exactly is it? What causes it, and what are the best treatments? When should you talk to a doctor? Here are some things you may not have known about post-nasal drip. What is Post-Nasal Drip1) Post-nasal drip is usually mucus draining into the back of the throat from the nose and sinuses. But you actually have post-nasal drip all the time, every day -- you just notice it when it's more than usual or has gotten worse in some way. 2) Post-nasal drip can also be an increase in the inflammation of membranes in the nose, caused by irritant exposure, allergies, or infection, especially as one ages. 3) Sometimes, in the case of sinus or nasal infection, post-nasal drip can be pus. In rare cases, it can be a leak in the fluid of your brain, if it happens on one side and is very salty. There could be a. bacterial infection, which would require antibiotics. But, they could also stem from viral infections. 4) Post-nasal drip may not always start in the nose. It can occur because of gastric issues coming up from below. If you have no nasal or allergy symptoms, try reflux medicine for a week or two and eliminate foods that are known to cause reflux. See if this addresses the issue. Read more: Why See an ENT Doctor to Treat My Allergies?Treating Your Post-Nasal Drip5) If the post-nasal drip has a foul smell and thick discharge, and you feel sick, it could be a sinus infection. See a doctor for medical advice. 6) If you have accompanying nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes, try allergy medicine, a neti pot, or even nasal steroid spray. 7) If the nasal drip is thin and salty, happens only on one side, and is chronic, see an ENT doctor. 8) Nasal steroids and sinus rinses are often good remedies for post-nasal drip no matter what the cause. Allergy medicines are often a good choice as well, particularly in Richmond. Less Common Causes of Post-Nasal Drip9) Post-nasal drip can also happen as a result of a structural issue, such as obstruction of nasal passages or sinuses causing an accumulation of mucus. 10) Nasal polyps or other anatomical sinus problems, such as a deviated septum, can also cause post-nasal drip. This is especially common in children, because of inflamed, enlarged, or infected adenoids. These symptoms are usually accompanied by a cough. If this is a chronic issue for you or your child, you may want to talk to a specialist about their tonsils and adenoids. If you have questions about post-nasal drip, or if you'd like to seek treatment or consultation for your symptoms, contact Virginia ENT today to request an appointment and discuss your options.
Postnasal drip is excess mucus that the glands of the nose and throat secrete. An individual may feel this mucus dripping down their throat and feel they have to clear their throat more than usual. The nose, throat, and sinuses continually produce mucus, a thick, slippery substance that helps prevent the airways from drying. Mucus protects the body from germs, pollen, and other environmental pollutants in the air. These particles can create problems in the body if they are not filtered out as a person breathes. Mucus traps these foreign bodies and helps eliminate them. Mucus usually does its job unnoticed. It harmlessly mixes with saliva throughout the day, and a person either swallows it or blows it out the nose. However, if the body produces too much or too thick mucus, it becomes much more apparent. When this occurs, a person may feel the substance dripping down the back of their throat. Doctors call this postnasal drip. This excess mucus can also cause other symptoms, such as a cough, nausea, and bad breath. People may also experience a sore throat, throat clearing, and a raspy voice. Many people can treat postnasal drip with home remedies, although sometimes, it is better to speak with a doctor for advice and treatment. This article explores postnasal drip, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Individuals with postnasal drip may feel they need to clear their throat frequently. Also, mucus contains immune-system molecules, which can irritate the tissues and cause a sore throat, cough, and hoarseness. A person may notice postnasal drip more obviously at night, especially when lying down. Other symptoms of postnasal drip include:
Additionally, individuals may develop complications of postnasal drip that lead to other symptoms. For example, the excess mucus can clog the Eustachian tubes, the canals that connect the throat to the middle ear, or the sinus passages. Painful infections may then develop. People can buy over-the-counter (OTC) treatments to ease postnasal drip, and home remedies may help with symptoms. Options to treat postnasal drip include the below. Drying out the mucusDecongestant medications, such as phenylephrine (Sudafed PE Congestion) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), can help dry out mucus. However, although these medications work for many people, they may not suit everyone. They can dry out the mucus, and some individuals may find that their nose feels too dry. Others may discover that these medications make them feel nervous or dizzy and may therefore avoid them. Some people use antihistamines, especially when their postnasal drip is due to seasonal allergies, which doctors call allergic rhinitis. Newer drugs, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are known as non-sedating antihistamines, making them less likely to cause fatigue. Their properties make them especially helpful for people who have to work or drive while managing postnasal drip. Additional OTC non-sedating antihistamine options include fexofenadine (Allegra) and levocetirizine (Xyzal). However, individuals should note that some of these options may cause sedating effects. Each of these medications comes with side effects and may interact with other medicines. With this in mind, a person should discuss new medications with a doctor or pharmacist before trying them. Thinning the mucusAnother home remedy for postnasal drip involves thinning the mucus out. There are OTC medications for this, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex), but nonchemical options also exist. Increasing the moisture in the air may help make postnasal drip thinner and allow it to move smoothly through the passageways. Using humidifiers or steam vaporizers may help relieve postnasal drip, especially in cases of clogged sinuses. Using nasal spraysSaline nasal sprays or irrigation pots use salt water to flush out the mucus buildup. These options may help clear blocked airways and reduce overall mucus content. Medicated nose sprays can also help improve a person’s symptoms. Depending on the cause of their postnasal drip, a person can try:
A person can also try using home remedies to treat postnasal drip. These include the below. Propping up the headIf mucus buildup increases at night, sleeping with the head elevated with pillows promotes drainage. Some people could also prop their pillows with a suitable wedge to help with this. This may also reduce the amount of mucus a person feels in their throat. Drinking fluidsThe body loses water through postnasal drip. Drinking plenty of liquids can help thin mucus, keep it flowing smoothly, and prevent dehydration. Warm teas and broths may also ease other symptoms, such as a sore throat, while the steam may help clear sinuses. Avoiding cigarette smokeSmoke can irritate the nasal passages and cause a buildup of mucus. Smoke can also negatively impact the body’s ability to clear the airways. Postnasal drip is usually due to certain changes in the environment or the body. One of the most common causes of postnasal drip is allergies. Seasonal allergies due to plants releasing their pollen may cause trigger postnasal drip, as the body produces extra mucus to try and eliminate the pollen spores. Cold weather or dry air can also cause postnasal drip. Breathing cold or dry air may irritate a person’s nose and throat, so their body will create mucus to humidify and warm the passages and ease this irritation. Cold weather also has links to viral infections, such as the flu, sinus infections, and the common cold. These infections cause many symptoms, including postnasal drip. Additionally, the body reacts to invading germs by creating more mucus to flush them out. It may be uncomfortable, but it is actually a sign of the body working to stay healthy. Other causes of postnasal drip include:
A deviated septum occurs when the wall between the nostrils becomes crooked or damaged. The condition can make it difficult for the body to drain mucus correctly, causing postnasal drip. Many cases of postnasal drip clear up on their own. However, depending on its cause, complications can arise without treatment. It is best to treat postnasal drip early to avoid complications, so people should speak with a doctor for any symptoms lasting more than 10 days. No, postnasal drip is not in itself contagious. However, it may depend on the cause of the excess mucus production. For example, if a person develops a postnasal drip because of a viral infection, they could pass the virus to another individual. They may then develop a cold or another infection. There is a link between pregnancy and postnasal drip — a 2017 review states that 65% of study respondents experienced nasal congestion symptoms. Doctors call this pregnancy rhinitis, but they do not know the exact cause. The increase in blood volume and hormone fluctuations during pregnancy may contribute to the increased mucus production that the body expels through the nose. The excess mucus can block the sinuses and drain down the throat, causing postnasal drip and the associated symptoms. Pregnant individuals can typically treat their symptoms at home with nasal saline solutions. However, they should contact a doctor before starting any new medications. A person should consult with their doctor about postnasal drip under some circumstances, including if they have:
An individual may have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. Viral infections are another possibility, but a doctor does not treat these with antibiotics. Additionally, healthcare professionals may order tests to check for other causes, such as stomach acid reflux or nasal polyps. They may also prescribe a steroid nasal spray for people who experience persistent allergies. Many individuals can treat their postnasal drip with home remedies, OTC nasal steroid sprays, or both. However, if their symptoms persist and negatively affect their quality of life, they may wish to contact a doctor. Postnasal drip is a common occurrence, but it is not typically serious. Although bothersome, it usually resolves on its own or with OTC medications and home remedies. The best way to avoid postnasal drip is to eliminate allergens or other triggers where possible. People who experience persistent postnasal drip or postnasal drip that accompanies other symptoms should speak with a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Postnasal drip refers to excess mucus that someone may feel in the back of the nose and throat, causing a constant need to clear the throat. It may lead to symptoms, such as a sore throat and trouble swallowing. Environmental triggers, such as allergies, cold weather, or dry air, may cause postnasal drip. While treatment options depend on the cause, postnasal drip often clears up without the need for medication. However, antihistamines and decongestants may help those with viral infections or allergies. Anyone with persistent postnasal drip or additional symptoms should seek their doctor’s advice. Read the article in Spanish. Is it normal to have postIt's a common symptom of colds and other respiratory infections or allergies that have respiratory effects. Virtually everyone experiences post-nasal drip from time to time. For an unfortunate few, however, post-nasal drip can become a chronic condition.
How do I get rid of constant postHow to stop postnasal drip. Staying hydrated, which can also help to thin mucus.. Use a humidifier or vaporizer to keep the air moist.. Propping yourself up with extra pillows when you sleep, so the mucus doesn't collect in the back of your throat.. An oral medication such as guaifenesin (Mucinex), which can thin mucus.. When should I worry about postCall your doctor if the drainage is bad smelling, you have a fever, you're wheezing, or your symptoms are severe or last for 10 days or more. You might have a bacterial infection. Let your doctor know right away if you notice blood in your postnasal drip.
What does chronic postPost-nasal drip is one of the most common characteristics of chronic rhinitis, and over a prolonged period of time, it may lead to a chronic sore throat, a chronic cough, or throat clearing.
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I have post nasal drip all the time
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