The Postnasal Drip Cough
This kind of cough can be either wet or dry, but is caused by mucus drainage from your sinuses down the back of your throat. This drip tickles your nerves and makes you cough. It is normally caused by either allergies or the common cold.
Post-nasal drip is among the most common causes of persistent cough, hoarseness, sore throat and other annoying symptoms. It can be caused by a number of conditions and may linger for weeks or months.
Most cases of post-nasal drip go away with time, but long-lasting, untreated post-nasal drip and excess mucus can create a breeding ground for germs, which in turn can lead to additional health complications, including sinus infections and ear infections.
Post-nasal Drip Common Symptoms
This excess mucus in the throat can cause unpleasant symptoms — including coughing. The mucus triggers the body's natural coughing reflex, and this is called upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). A hoarse voice and a sore throat are other symptoms that may appear at the same time.
These results strongly suggest that entrance of postnasal drip into the trachea and the lungs may be owing to host conditions, such as whether the host is asleep or awake, and thicker viscous postnasal drip may easily enter the respiratory organs.
Post-nasal drip, or drainage of excess mucus down your throat, isn't just uncomfortable — left untreated, it can lead to more serious issues, including a sore throat, chronic cough, or nausea.
Symptoms are typically worse after eating. Spicy foods and carbonated beverages are strong triggers of LPR. (If you have significant PND symptoms after eating spicy foods or drinking carbonated beverages, you are likely suffering from LPR.)
Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip. Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) can work to get rid of postnasal drip. However, these are more effective after you take them for several days.
Swallowing problems can cause a buildup of liquids in the throat, which can feel like postnasal drip. These problems can sometimes occur with age, a blockage, or conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.
Your condition could be more serious when the postnasal drip is accompanied by symptoms such as: Extreme difficulty breathing or swallowing. A lump in or on the throat or neck. Sores inside your nose that won't heal.
Post-nasal drip often leads to a sore, irritated throat. Although there is usually no infection, the tonsils and other tissues in the throat may swell. This can cause discomfort or a feeling that there is a lump in the throat. Successful treatment of the post-nasal drip will usually clear up these throat symptoms.
Thin postnasal drip secretions caused by allergies may be treated with antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin may offer better relief than older-type antihistamines such as promethazine (older antihistamines tend to thicken post-nasal secretions).
Your healthcare provider may diagnose postnasal drip by performing a physical exam of your ears, nose and throat. They may use a special camera called an endoscope to look inside of your nose and throat. This procedure is called a nasal endoscopy. They may also order X-rays.
There are numerous possible causes for the excessive accumulation and drainage of mucus associated with post nasal drip. Post nasal drip is often considered a symptom of conditions, such as: A cold or flu. Allergies (especially seasonal allergies)
Normally, the drainage harmlessly passes down your throat and into your stomach. Sometimes, when the drainage is thicker or excessive, it can cause irritation in your throat, coughing, and discomfort.
In certain patients, however, the infection can result in lower respiratory symptoms such as cough and chest congestion, eventually turning into bronchitis, sometimes even pneumonia. This typically occurs from infected post nasal drainage entering the lungs.
If your post-nasal drip is a byproduct of a common cold and resolves on its own, it's not likely to be concerning. But if it persists for more than two weeks, consider being evaluated by a doctor who can help you feel more comfortable.
Though they're always at work, you typically only notice the sticky substances when you're sick. Mucus and phlegm are similar, yet different: Mucus is a thinner secretion from your nose and sinuses. Phlegm is thicker and is made by your throat and lungs.
Post nasal drip caused by allergies (Allergic Rhinitis) often have accompanying symptoms like sneezing, an itchy nose, and teary/itchy eyes. It is also a seasonal condition that most commonly affects children and young adults.
Sinusitis Symptoms
Both bacterial and viral sinusitis share common symptoms, including: Postnasal drip.
It drips down the back of your nose into the back of your throat, mixes with saliva, and is swallowed without you noticing it. However, post nasal drip can cause mucus to build up or become thicker than normal, and you may notice an irritating feeling of it dripping down the back of your throat.
Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Elevate your head at night to help mucus drain. You can also gargle saltwater, inhale steam, use a humidifier, and drink warm fluids. These remedies will thin mucus and moisturize your nasal passages.