Post Nasal Drip
Post-Nasal Drip: What Causes it & What Cures it?
By Dr. Kristie
If you experience a persistent cough and often feel mucous collecting in the back of the throat, you may be suffering from a common condition known as post-nasal drip or post-nasal drainage. The symptoms of post-nasal drip are annoying and can become chronic in some cases.
When mucous drainage becomes chronic it can create other problems such as hoarseness and bad breath – not symptoms most people want to deal with. What causes post-nasal drainage and what can you do about it?
What are the Symptoms of Post-Nasal Drainage?
Most people who have post-nasal drip complain of the sensation of mucous sticking in the back of their throat. This can lead to a chronic, persistent cough that’s most pronounced in the morning or when lying flat in bed at night.
Post-nasal drainage can trigger sleep problems and snoring – making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Some people also experience nausea when too much mucous builds up in back of the throat.
Note: Avoid Health Issues if your Condition is Detected & Treated.
What Causes Post-Nasal Drainage?
The most common cause is allergy which may be seasonal, such as hay fever, or non-seasonal type allergic reactions to dust, animal dander, or dust mites. Inflammation of the sinuses due to infection can also cause post-nasal drainage and the symptoms usually resolve once the infection is cleared - unless there are underlying allergies.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to post-nasal drip because they experience a condition known as pregnancy rhinitis where the nasal passages become inflamed from hormonal fluctuations.
In some cases, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD can cause symptoms of post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drainage is also more common in people who have nasal polyps or a deviated septum.
What Can You Do About It?
The goal in treating post-nasal drainage is to thin the thick, mucous secretions. This can be done by drinking more water and using guaifenesin-based medications available over the counter such as Mucinex.
Running a Humidifier at night can improve hydration and help to thin out thick secretions that cause symptoms. Nasal saline sprays are also helpful for reducing post-nasal drainage. This approach should always be tried first since it’s natural and doesn’t involve use of medications.
If the symptoms don’t resolve, an over-the-counter decongestant may help. If the symptoms fail to resolve within a week, medical evaluation may be needed to rule out a chronic sinus infection or nasal polyps. Nasal steroids or a prescription decongestant may be used to treat tough cases of post-nasal drip.
The bottom line?
There are a variety of causes of post-nasal drip, but it’s important to rule out nasal polyps or other anatomical problems if the symptoms are persistent.
About the Author
She is a Medical Doctor with a concentration in Family Practice. She also has an undergraduate degree in both Biology and Psychology and masters in Clinical Pathology.
Support: Your Immune System with Proper Nutrients >>
Airborne Allergens
The Air in Your Home is much dirtier than the air outside, regardless of where you live. According to the EPA, the typical air in your home is one of the top Environmental Hazards.
A High level of Allergens in your home can lead to Allergies, Asthma, Cold/Flu Viruses, Sinus Infections & Respiratory Illnesses. More >>
Allergy Types
An allergy happens when a person Reacts to Substances in the Environment that most people will find to be harmless. See the 7 Most Common Allergy Types in Humans. More >>
Testing
Featured
Austin Air Purifier
Remove Toxic Allergens like:
- Mold Spores & Pet Dander
- Bacteria, Dust Mites, Gases
- Pollen, Smoke & Viruses
- VOC's & more...
A 360-degree Air Filtration System
Allergy & Asthma Friendly
Order Now >>
