Why does Sinus Drainage Make You Cough?

The most common diagnosis associated with signs of cough and trickle behind the throat is sinusitis or rhinitis. Infectious diseases tend to aggravate normal sinus drainage, and excess accumulation or thicker mucus can lead to coughing.

What are Sinuses?
Sinuses are small cavities in the skull bones that are air-filled and its main functions are voice resonance and mucus secretion. The inner membranes lining the sinuses secret mucus and are connected to the nasal passage through hair-like projections called nasal ostia.

What are the Functions of Sinuses?
Sinuses are present in four pairs and located on the forehead, cheekbones and nasal area. Frontal sinuses are positioned in the forehead region, maxillary sinuses are found behind the cheekbone, ethmoid sinuses are between the nose and eyes; and sphenoid sinuses are deep in the skull.

These air-filled cavities tend to make the skull lighter and aid the process of sound resonance. The function of mucus secretion is to maintain adequate lubrication of the nose and avoid dust, pollution and other harmful organisms from infecting the respiratory tract.

Why does Sinus Drainage Make You Cough?
In healthy conditions, sinuses secret mucus as a protective mechanism and is carried to the pharynx (in throat region). It is then swallowed into the stomach and this physiological activity remains unnoticed.

However, individuals who have nasal congestion or any other infections of the upper respiratory tract display symptoms of increased sinus drainage. This means that it interferes with the normal functioning of the nose, and mucus gets blocked back in sinuses. The membranes are inflamed and pus accumulates due to infections.

Also, on account of the force of gravity, the sinuses drain the collected mucus and pus into the throat causing sore throat. This post-nasal drip causes irritation in the throat region at larynx, pharynx, trachea and lungs. This results in symptoms like dyspnea, cough which is a voluntary reaction to protect the airways.

How do you Stop Sinus Drainage and hence the Cough?
Many people tend to ignore this 'isolated' symptom of cough caused by sinus drainage; as it is seldom very severe or causing discomfort. However, living with cough would make it chronic and cause further complications. ENT specialist or a physician would confirm the cause of cough whether it’s a sinus problem or any other condition of the lower respiratory tract.

Treating the underlying cause of such a condition would help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis or rhinitis (inflammation of nasal passage) and hence cure the cough. Detecting allergy, steam inhalation and hot drinks like tea or soups could reduce the discomforts of sinus drainage. Adequate drinking of water and other liquids maintains proper hydration; this reduces the possibility of thickened mucus. Anti-histaminics, decongestants, nasal sprays, antibiotics and steroids would be the initial choice of drugs. Use of nasal wash, nasal steroid spray or surgical intervention would depend upon the severity and duration of infection.