Post nasal drip is caused due to excessive mucus secretion by sinuses. This excess mucus that collects at the back of nose or throat, causes bad breath which in layman term is called post nasal drip bad breath. The culprit behind the bad breath are bacteria that grow in the mucus. In fact, it is the mucus that provides a constant source of food to the bacteria, that cause bad breath or halitosis. These bacteria live at the back of the tongue. They break down protein in the mouth to sulfur compounds, which is why our breath smells foul.
Related Symptoms
As the name suggests, the only symptom of this condition is bad breath. However, the problem with most people is that they fail to understand that it is their sinus problem that is behind halitosis. Due to this reason, many people resort to mouth wash or concentrate on other methods of oral hygiene, as a cure option. So, it is important to know other symptoms that would enable one to address the problem correctly. The signs to look for are the post nasal drip symptoms like:
Treatment
As already mentioned, many people who are not able to associate the problem of bad breath with post nasal drip, often resort to remedies to improve oral hygiene. However, the best remedy is to address the main cause, i.e sinusitis. There are some remedies that can mask bad breath. However, this won't eliminate the problem. However, it is important to note that it is not just sinusitis but also tonsillitis that causes post nasal drip and also the bad breath that results from it. Sinus infection and tonsillitis are medical conditions that must be addressed under the guidance of a physician. Although, some individuals get rid of the problem with proper sinus infection treatment, for some it may be a long term commitment. Another treatment option for this condition is use of commercial products that target the bacteria, which is the source of foul smell. These products aim at producing sinus drops that along with mouthwash, can be used to reduce the population of bacteria in mouth and to keep their numbers under control. These drops are not as old as most other drugs associated with treatment of sinus and tonsillitis and may require some effort to acquire. One word of caution though! Although, these drops are commercial products, it is best to consult one's doctor before using them. This is to reduce any complications that may arise due to the ingredients in these drops causing harmful effect on one's health.
Post nasal drip bad breath may be difficult to treat, as the underlying cause, which is secretion of excess mucus is difficult to control. However, it is important to ensure that one's bad breath is the result of excess mucus and not due to improper oral hygiene, so that, the problem can be treated effectively.
Related Symptoms
As the name suggests, the only symptom of this condition is bad breath. However, the problem with most people is that they fail to understand that it is their sinus problem that is behind halitosis. Due to this reason, many people resort to mouth wash or concentrate on other methods of oral hygiene, as a cure option. So, it is important to know other symptoms that would enable one to address the problem correctly. The signs to look for are the post nasal drip symptoms like:
- Tickling sensation in throat
- Swallowing or spitting mucus frequently due to excess mucus in throat
- Broken voice
- Sore throat
- Labored breathing
- Coughing, snorting or other ways of clearing throat of excess mucus
- Vomiting due to swallowing excessive amount of mucus
- Most importantly, bad breath
Treatment
As already mentioned, many people who are not able to associate the problem of bad breath with post nasal drip, often resort to remedies to improve oral hygiene. However, the best remedy is to address the main cause, i.e sinusitis. There are some remedies that can mask bad breath. However, this won't eliminate the problem. However, it is important to note that it is not just sinusitis but also tonsillitis that causes post nasal drip and also the bad breath that results from it. Sinus infection and tonsillitis are medical conditions that must be addressed under the guidance of a physician. Although, some individuals get rid of the problem with proper sinus infection treatment, for some it may be a long term commitment. Another treatment option for this condition is use of commercial products that target the bacteria, which is the source of foul smell. These products aim at producing sinus drops that along with mouthwash, can be used to reduce the population of bacteria in mouth and to keep their numbers under control. These drops are not as old as most other drugs associated with treatment of sinus and tonsillitis and may require some effort to acquire. One word of caution though! Although, these drops are commercial products, it is best to consult one's doctor before using them. This is to reduce any complications that may arise due to the ingredients in these drops causing harmful effect on one's health.
Post nasal drip bad breath may be difficult to treat, as the underlying cause, which is secretion of excess mucus is difficult to control. However, it is important to ensure that one's bad breath is the result of excess mucus and not due to improper oral hygiene, so that, the problem can be treated effectively.
