Post-Nasal Drip: What You Need to Know

Clearing the throat is a normal process. However, if you find yourself clearing your throat all the time, a deeper issue may be at hand. Pay attention to the trigger for clearing your throat. You might feel as if mucus accumulates in the back of your throat. Such a trigger may indicate you have post-nasal drip.

Find out everything you need to know about this annoying issue, including how to get rid of it.

At its most basic, post-nasal drip is accumulated mucus at the back of your throat. The mucus comes from glands in the linings of your throat, sinus, airways, and nose. The purpose of the mucus is to moisten these areas and to prevent bacteria and viruses from invading your body.

When your respiratory system functions properly, the mucus mixes with your saliva and drips down the back of your throat. You probably don't even notice it except for the occasional throat clearing. However, if the mucus is too abundant or too thick, it accumulates in the back of your throat and causes post-nasal drip.

The symptoms for post-nasal drip aren't severe, but they are unpleasant. The most obvious symptom is the sensation of mucus collecting at the back of your throat. Because of this accumulation, you'll feel that constant need to clear your throat or swallow. The excess mucus can also lead to a sore throat or coughing, which can be worse at night.

Bad breath can be another unpleasant side effect. You might even feel nausea if too much mucus enters your stomach.

Anything that causes issues with your sinuses can trigger post-nasal drip. Colds, the flu, and sinus infections are likely culprits. So, too, are allergies, which can cause rhinitis, or the irritation of the nose. In addition to sneezing, rhinitis causes the overproduction of mucus, which triggers post-nasal drip. Fumes, smoke, and other irritants also trigger the condition.

Post-nasal drip may be associated with other medical conditions and treatments. Medications such as birth control and for blood pressure can cause post-nasal drip. So, too, can pregnancy. Likewise, any problem in the structure of the nose and/or sinuses, such as a deviated septum, can cause the condition.

Foods themselves won't necessarily cause post-nasal drip, but they can aggravate the condition. In fact, a trigger for the condition is acid reflux. So, any foods that trigger acid reflux can also trigger post-nasal drip. This includes the following:

• Chocolate
• Coffee and other caffeinated beverages
• Carbonated beverages
• Alcohol
• Citrus fruits
• Peppermint
• Spicy foods
• Fried or fatty foods

Unfortunately, the best method for mitigating the triggers is to avoid the above foods. On a side note, drinking lots of water thins out the mucus, causing it to dispel more easily.

Most treatments for post-nasal drip involve lifestyle changes. In addition to avoiding the above food triggers, you can also prop up your pillows at night to prevent the mucus accumulation. A humidifier can help, as can general steam inhalation. You may also irrigate your nasal passages.

You have some options for over-the-counter medications. A nasal decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, can be helpful, as can mucus thinner such as guaifenesin. If your post-nasal drip is from allergies, getting them under control can be helpful. Antihistamines are one option, but you can also talk to an allergy specialist about other treatments.

If your post-nasal drip is particularly prominent, consider consulting with ear, nose, and throat doctors. They might prescribe a nasal steroid spray or one that inhibits mucus production. You should definitely seek medical advice if the mucus is bloody or foul-smelling or if it's accompanied by fever or shortness of breath.

Don't suffer from the annoyance of post-nasal drip. Talk to the ENT specialists at Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. , for help diagnosing and treating the condition.