Do you sometimes feel like something is escaping from the back of your throat, or like your throat is tickling? Maybe you constantly have a sore throat, or you cough. We call this condition 'Postnasal Drip'. Although it is a little annoying, it is usually not serious. Let's talk about this in detail today.
What is this 'postnasal drip'?
Simply put, postnasal drip is when your nose and throat produce more mucus than normal and it drains down the back of your throat. Think about it, the little glands inside our noses produce mucus all the time. This is very normal. In fact, our bodies produce about a liter or two of mucus a day.
Now you're probably thinking, "Wow, that much mucus?" Yes, but it has a big role:
- It helps keep the inside of your nose moist and clean.
- You moisten the air you breathe.
- It helps to trap dust and germs that enter your lungs when you breathe and expel them.
- This mucus also helps fight infections.
Normally, we swallow this mucus, and it mixes with saliva and goes down our throat, so we don't even notice it. However, when the amount of this mucus increases, or the mucus thickens, it starts to feel like it's escaping from the back of the throat. That's what's called 'postnasal drip.'
Do you also have 'postnasal drip'? What are the symptoms?
Postnasal drip can make your throat feel sore, like you have a sore throat. Your tonsils and other tissues in your throat can also swell. This can cause discomfort. Some people may also feel like they have a lump in their throat. Here are some other symptoms that may occur:
- The constant feeling of mucus in the throat.
- Frequent swallowing.
- A hoarse sound coming from the throat, or a change in voice (hoarseness).
- Constantly feeling like clearing your throat.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- A cough that is especially bothersome at night.
- Sometimes, excess mucus can go into the stomach and cause nausea and vomiting.
Most importantly, if this mucus gets stuck in the Eustachian tubes that connect your ears, nose, and throat, it can cause ear infections and earaches.
Why do we get this 'postnasal drip'? What are the causes?
There are various reasons why 'postnasal drip' occurs. The main reason why this condition occurs in many people is allergies. We call it 'allergic postnasal drip'.
Another cause is a deviated septum, or deviated nasal septum. If the septum, the cartilage between your nostrils, is deviated, one nostril is smaller than the other. This can cause mucus to build up and not drain properly, leading to postnasal drip.
In addition, there may be several other reasons:
- Viral infections like colds and flu.
- Bacterial infections.
- Sinus infection, that is, 'sinusitis'.
- Cold weather, changes in weather, and dry air.
- Bright light.
- Spicy foods.
- Pregnancy.
- Some medications, for example birth control pills and medications for high blood pressure.
- This condition can also occur as you age.
- Long-term acid reflux disease, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Is this a contagious disease?
Postnasal drip itself is not contagious. However, it can be caused by something contagious. For example, if you have postnasal drip due to a viral infection like the common cold, you can pass the virus on to someone else.
How does a doctor know for sure if you have 'postnasal drip'?
When you see a doctor, he or she will examine your ears, nose, and throat. They may also use a special camera called an endoscope to look inside your nose and throat. This test is called a nasal endoscopy. Sometimes, X-rays may also be taken.
What are the treatments for 'postnasal drip'?
Postnasal drip can sometimes be difficult to completely cure. Treatment depends on the cause.
For things like the common cold and flu, drinking warm liquids (like soup and tea) can help thin out some of the excess mucus. Along with drinking plenty of water, these home remedies will also help prevent your body from becoming dehydrated.
Other treatment options may include:
If due to allergies:
If you have postnasal drip due to allergies, you should avoid the things you are allergic to as much as possible. Medications such as these may help reduce symptoms:
- Antihistamines, such as loratadine-pseudoephedrine (such as Claritin®).
- Decongestants - Medicines that reduce mucus.
- Cromolyn and steroid nasal sprays.
- Oral steroids - in severe cases.
Additionally, allergy shots or sublingual drops (immunotherapy) can provide good relief from this condition.
If the nasal bone is deviated (deviated septum):
If you have a deviated septum, you may need to undergo a surgery called septoplasty to permanently cure postnasal drip. This surgery straightens the deviated wall of your nose, making it easier to breathe.
If caused by bacterial infections:
If you have postnasal drip due to a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe medications such as:
- Antibiotics.
- Nasal sprays.
- Decongestants, for example pseudoephedrine (such as Sudafed®).
- Using things like nasal saline irrigations and neti pots.
If the cause of postnasal drip is chronic sinusitis, a doctor may recommend sinus surgery. This surgery opens up blocked sinus cavities.
If it is due to acid reflux disease (GERD):
Postnasal drip caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can do the following:
- Avoid eating or drinking at least three hours before going to bed.
- When sleeping, keep your head about six to eight inches higher than your body.
- If you are overweight, lose it.
- Stop using caffeine and alcohol.
- Take antacids (like TUMS®) or acid blockers (like Pepcid AC®).
What can we do to prevent postnasal drip?
One way to prevent postnasal drip is to minimize your exposure to the things you are allergic to. The following can help prevent this condition:
- Taking allergy pills every day (as prescribed by a doctor).
- Keeping your home clean and dust-free.
- Using pillowcases and mattress covers to protect against dust mites.
- Regularly changing the filters in your HVAC system.
- Taking a shower before going to bed after spending time outside.
What should we expect when we have 'postnasal drip'? How do we take care of ourselves?
Postnasal drip is a very common condition, and there are many causes for it. While it's usually not serious, it can be a bit annoying. In most cases, it can be treated with over-the-counter medications and simple home remedies.
However, if you have persistent postnasal drip, or if you have other symptoms along with it, you should definitely see a doctor. You may have a bacterial infection or other condition that requires medical treatment.
Some things you can do at home:
You need to drink more fluids to thin your mucus.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Reduce caffeine-containing beverages (tea, coffee).
- If possible, avoid taking diuretics (medicines that remove water from the body) (on the advice of a doctor).
You can also use an expectorant, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex®). These will thin your mucus. Rinsing your nose with saline water can help reduce the amount of mucus. Saline nasal sprays can help keep your nose moist.
When should we see a doctor?
If you've tried various things to treat postnasal drip and they don't seem to help, be sure to see a doctor. You may have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. Symptoms of a bacterial infection may include:
- Fever.
- Wheezing.
- Smelly mucus.
What are the important questions to ask the doctor?
When you see the doctor, don't forget to ask these questions:
- Why do I have postnasal drip?
- What changes in my symptoms should I watch for?
- What serious complications can occur due to this condition?
So, the final take-home message:
Postnasal drip is a bit annoying, but it's usually not harmful. In most cases, you can treat it with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medications. However, if you develop additional symptoms, or if your postnasal drip doesn't go away after about two weeks, you should definitely see a doctor. They can then determine if you have a condition that requires additional medication or other treatment. So, don't panic about it, but it's important to be vigilant!
` postnasal drip, phlegm, throat mucus, cough, allergies, sinusitis, nasal diseases
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