Post Nasal Drip: Symptoms and Treatment

Post nasal drip is the sensation of mucus dripping through the throat, which is caused by rhinitis, sinusitis, swallowing disorder or by laryngopharyngeal acid reflux, allergies, pregnancy or birth control pills. Let us go through the various reasons, symptoms and treatment for post nasal drip.

Normal Course of Mucus
Normally, the mucus produced by the glands lining the nose and sinuses are pushed downward to the throat by the invisible hair-like celia on the surface of the lining. This mucus carries out lubrication of nasal membranes, fights infection, and traps and eliminates foreign substances. Some medical conditions, medications, allergens and atmospheric conditions may cause abnormalities in the normal secretion and flow of the mucus.

Accumulation of Mucus
In case of increased production of mucus, the celia becomes unable to control the flow and it results in accumulation. The accumulated mucus becomes thick and sticky and blocks the nasal passages. The only way to release the mucus is through the back of the throat and that condition is called post nasal drip.

Causes of Post Nasal Drip
Post Nasal Drip may be caused due to any of the following factors. It can vary from one person to another. These factors include inhaled irritants, smoking, consuming caffeine products and alcohol regularly, continuous intake of allergic foods, dairy products, living in dry areas, cold and flu, swallowing disorders, pregnancy and birth control pills. All these factors can trigger the production of excess mucus, which is not drained out, causing post nasal drip.

Symptoms of Post Nasal Drip
Post nasal drip is characterized by the sensation of mucus dripping through the back of the throat. Other symptoms include constant cough, congestion in nasal passages, sore throat, bad breath (halitosis) arising from the posterior part of the tongue, feeling of nausea, vomiting, constant spitting and swallowing, constant clearing of the throat, etc. Yellow or white crystals called tonsil stones or tonsilloliths are found in the tonsils.

Treatment for Post Nasal Drip
Treatment for this condition depends on the cause. Hence, a correct diagnosis with the help of laboratory, endoscopic, and x-ray studies (of ear, nose and throat) is very much necessary. If the cause is allergies, it is treated with antihistamines and decongestants, steroid nasal sprays, and other forms of steroids. This type of post nasal drip can be managed to some extent by avoiding the causes. If the cause is bacterial infection, it can be treated with antibiotics, but chronic sinus infections may require surgery to open the blocked sinuses. Laryngopharyngeal acid reflux is treated with antacids and drugs that block acid production in stomach. If the reason cannot be diagnosed, then medications are aimed at thinning of mucus and some measures are taken to allow its free flow. These steps include drinking more fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, etc.

If left untreated, post nasal drip can cause ear infections, sore throat, severe sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, etc. It is always better to consult an allergist, a gastro-enterologist or an otolaryngologist for these symptoms. You can even seek the advice of your family physician regarding the treatment.