Mucus has many vital functions, such as cleaning your nasal lining, moistening your air, fighting infections and trapping irritants. Notably, the glands in your nose and throat are constantly making mucus. You usually swallow it and don’t notice it because it mixes with your saliva and drips down the back of your throat. Postnasal drip is when excess mucus gathers and drips down the back of your throat. You may feel a trickle at the back of your throat. This condition can be bothersome as it can lead to chronic cough.
This article will discuss postnasal drip, its symptoms, causes, and remedies.
Postnasal Drip Symptoms
Postnasal drip can cause sore throat. You may feel swelling of your tonsils and other tissues in your throat. Other symptoms include:
- Mucus draining into your throat
- Frequent swallowing
- Bad breath
- Urge to clear your throat
- Coughing at night
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Ear infections
What Causes Postnasal Drip?
Postnasal drip occurs due to various reasons. One of the common causes is allergies, which is also called allergic postnasal drip.
A deviated septum is another cause. In this, the wall of the cartilage between your nostrils is crooked. This makes one of your nasal passages smaller than the other. It can prevent mucus from draining properly, leading to postnasal drip. Other postnasal drip causes are:
- Bacterial infections
- Cold or flu
- Sinus infections
- Bright lights
- Cold temperatures and air dryness
- Spicy food
- Pregnancy
- Acid reflux
- Age
- Birth control pills
How is Postnasal Drip Diagnosed?
Your doctor may diagnose postnasal drip through a physical exam of your nose, ears, and throat. They may use an endoscope, which is a camera, to look inside your nose and throat. This procedure is called nasal endoscopy. They may also order X-ray examinations if needed.
Postnasal Drip Treatment
The treatment for postnasal drip depends on the cause of the condition. You can try inhaling steam or drinking hot water and soups to thin the mucus if you have a common cold or flu. Also, drink a lot of normal water as well.
Other options for postnasal treatment include:
1. Avoid Allergy Triggers: If your postnasal drip is owing to allergies, then you should avoid things you are allergic to. You can take medicines like antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and oral steroids for relief. In addition, you can take allergy shots for immunotherapy.
2. Septoplasty: If you are experiencing postnasal drip due to a deviated septum, then you may need a surgery called septoplasty. This surgery straightens your septums and provides better airflow.
3. Antibiotics: To get rid of postnasal drip that occurs due to bacterial infections, you may need antibiotics, nasal sprays, and decongestants.
4. Sinus Surgery: If the postnasal drip is due to sinusitis, then you may need sinus surgery to open your blocked sinuses.
5. Get Rid of Acid Reflux: Treatment for postnasal drip that is caused by acid reflux include:
- Avoid food and drinks before your bedtime
- Lose excess weight
- Cut down on alcohol and caffeine
- Take antacids
Is Postnasal Drip Infectious?
Postnasal drip isn’t contagious but if you have developed this condition because of a viral infection, then you could pass the virus on to someone else. So, knowing the cause is important. You can speak to your doctor who can diagnose whether it’s contagious or not.
How to Prevent Postnasal Drip?
The best way to prevent postnasal drip is by avoiding things you’re allergic to. Other ways to prevent this health condition are:
- Taking an allergy pill
- Keeping your house clean
- Using pillow covers
- Showering before bed if you’ve spent time outdoors
- Drinking more water
- Cutting out caffeine and alcohol
When Should You Visit a Healthcare Provider?
If you took the steps mentioned above to treat postnasal drip but the condition persists, then you should make an appointment with a doctor. Also, if you’re having other symptoms, such as chronic cough, then you may need the advice of a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, postnasal drip is a harmless health condition but can be unpleasant sometimes. You can easily treat the condition with home remedies like drinking warm fluids and taking over-the-counter medications. But, if your postnasal drip doesn’t clear up in a few weeks, then do consult a healthcare professional. They can help you determine whether you need more medication or some other treatment for postnasal drip.
