Post-nasal drip describes the feeling of mucus secretions moving down the back of the throat, often causing cough. It's normal to swallow some of the mucus that's made in your nose and sinuses without even realising it. But if the mucus becomes thicker or if there is more mucus than usual, you may get post-nasal drip.
Postnasal drip is when more mucus than normal gathers and drips down the back of your throat. You may feel like you have a tickle in the back of your throat. Postnasal drip can be a bothersome condition that can lead to a chronic cough. The glands in your nose and throat are constantly making mucus.
Postnasal drip makes you feel like you constantly want to clear your throat. It also can trigger a cough, which often gets worse at night. In fact, postnasal drip is one of the most common causes of a cough that just won't go away. Too much mucus may also make you feel hoarse and give you a sore, scratchy throat.
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.
It can happen for a number of reasons: allergies, viral infections (including the common cold), sinus infections, irritants in the air (such as fumes or dust). Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications.
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.)
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.
Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) and loratadine (brand Claritin) are good second-generation antihistamines that are non-sedating and could be good for mild to moderate postnasal drip symptoms.
Antihistamines bring relief to post-nasal drip caused by allergies. Several forms of antihistamines are available, including oral tablets, capsules, liquids, and nasal sprays. Although some antihistamines require a prescription, OTC options include: Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
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.
Postnasal drip alone is not worrisome, but it certainly can be bothersome. If your symptoms persist more than ten days or seem to be getting worse, make an appointment with an ENT. You should schedule an appointment right away if you also experience fever, wheezing, breathing problems, or mucus with a strong odor.
Diagnosing post-nasal drip may include a detailed ear, nose, and throat exam, endoscopy (using a camera to look inside the nose and throat), or X-rays.
Edelstein was able to demonstrate that the prevalence of postnasal drip, nasal drainage, coughing, and sneezing increased with age[4].
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.
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.
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.
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).
Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics.
While postnasal drip is usually a minor or temporary condition, there are rare occasions when symptoms may be serious and potentially harmful, suggesting a cause that's not temporary or easy to manage.
How do I treat a runny nose? If your runny nose is allergy-related, an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Telfast® may help to ease the symptoms. Other simple relief strategies can include gently blowing your nose, using a saline nasal spray or steam inhalation to open the airways.
They are both used to treat allergy and hayfever symptoms such as runny nose. However, Claritin is also used to treat allergic skin reactions such as such as hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions, whereas Sudafed is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion.