Post Nasal Drip

Our body produces mucus constantly throughout the day – one to two quarts, to be exact. It mixes with saliva and is swallowed, a normal and harmless response that one usually does nott notice. When excess mucus is created or it is thicker than usual, it becomes noticeable as it runs down the back of the nose to the throat. This is known as postnasal drip. Beyond a runny nose, sore throat, and clogged nasal passages, this excess mucus can sometimes cause eye irritation, leading to watery eyes.

An excess of mucus can be caused by a variety of factors. These include colds, flu, allergies, sinus infections, cold temperatures, bright lights, certain foods, hormonal changes (including pregnancy), fumes from chemicals or perfumes, certain types of medications and structural abnormalities such as a deviated septum. The condition might not even be the result of too much mucus, but rather, the inability to clear it away effectively – the result of a swallowing disorder.

The primary symptom of postnasal drip is a sore and irritated throat. Although there is typically no infection accompanying postnasal drip, tissues in the throat may swell. Postnasal drip can cause a number of side effects including cough, sore throat, hoarseness, ear and sinus infections. It is the most common cause of chronic coughing, which can be especially bothersome at night.

Treatment for postnasal drip depends on the cause. Over-the-counter medications – antihistamines, decongestants and saline nasal sprays – are often used successfully to manage symptoms. Drugs containing the mucus-thinning agent guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin, etc.) may prove helpful.

 You can try irrigating the nasal passages using a neti pot to get rid of excess mucus. Use of a humidifier to moisten the air can also help. If a bacterial infection is the cause, you’ll need antibiotic treatment. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a frequent cause of swallowing problems, can be treated with antacids.

In office Treament at an ENT clinic:

ClariFix is a minimally-invasive treatment that utilizes cold temperatures (cryotherapy) to stop the source of chronic rhinitis symptoms. Chronic rhinitis symptoms can be caused by out of balance nerves, which may be sending too many signals to the nose, telling it to drip, run and swell more than necessary.

An ENT can diagnose  allergies, and work to create an allergy avoidance plan and then prescribe medication or immunotherapy treatment to stop those thin secretions. If postnasal drip is caused by a deviated septum,  an ENT will be able to diagnose and treat this as well.

Author

Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch