Post Nasal Drip

Post nasal drip is usually a symptom that accompanies another condition. It is when too much mucus is not draining effectively. This can cause the mucous to run down the back of the throat, behind the nose and sinuses. Post nasal drip can last for a few days to weeks. If it lasts for longer than 12 weeks post nasal drip can become chronic. Post nasal drip is common, but can be very annoying to deal with. Post nasal drip itself is not contagious, but the cause of the dripping can be contagious.

Chronic post nasal drip is when it lasts for at least 12 weeks or longer. One of the main cases of chronic post nasal drip is chronic rhinitis. This is a condition that causes inflammation of the nasal tissue. There are two different types of chronic rhinitis, allergic and non-allergic. Other conditions that can cause chronic post nasal drip are GERD, deviated septum, medications such as blood pressure, or birth control, rebound congestion from over using nasal sprays, or swallowing problems.

Post nasal drip does not have to be chronic. Usually it is a symptom that comes with illness or sickness such as the flu. Other infections can cause post nasal drip like strep throat. Seasonal allergies can cause temporary post nasal drip. Pregnancy or other hormone fluctuations can also be a temporary cause of post nasal drip. Usually in these situations the post nasal drip will clear up in a few days or week or two. Post nasal drip caused from temporary conditions usually clears up on its own and is no need for concern.

Spontaneous post nasal drip can occur. This happens when something other than sickness sparks mucus to be produced. This could be eating something that is very spicy, or for some people eating dairy can increase their amount of mucous. Pet allergies can cause spontaneous post nasal drip. Exercise is another cause. Having a foreign object in your nose can also cause post nasal drip. This is more common in children.

Symptoms

Symptoms can get better or worse as the day progresses. Symptoms that can affect the back of the throat are a burning sensation, a feeling of a lump, scratching, tickling, or itching. Post nasal drip can also cause coughing, hoarseness, losing your voice, sore throat, the need to clear your throat a lot, or watery eyes. Usually these symptoms aren’t cause for concern on their own. If you have any of these symptoms along with your post nasal drip you will want to seek medical attention; difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, a choking feeling, blood in the nasal secretions, wheezing, bad smelling mucus, fever, vomiting, or ear pain.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually done with a physical exam. Your doctor will listen to your symptoms. They will want to ask if you have other symptoms along with the post nasal drip such as headaches, fever, chills, or muscle aches. These could be indicators of infection or illness. They then may check the back of your throat. If your doctor needs to find out what is causing your post nasal drip they may suggest having allergy testing done. This can indicate if there is an environmental factor that is causing your post nasal drip. Environmental factors could be pollen, pet dander, or foods. Your doctor may suggest that you keep a diary of your symptoms and what you were doing when symptoms happened or what you were eating. Imaging such as a nasal endoscopy or an X-ray can help diagnose a deviated septum. If your doctor suspects you have GERD there may be other tests that are suggested. A direct laryngoscopy can be done to look at the upper part of the throat with a scope. A 24 hour probe test can be done to test for acid reflux. Another test is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy which checks the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines.

Treatment

Treatment for post nasal drip depends on the cause.

For viral infections you may have to rely on home remedies. Home remedies that can help post nasal drip are to drink lots of fluids, use a cool-mist humidifier during the night, use a neti-pot to rinse out your sinuses, or to use a vaporizer with scents like peppermint or eucalyptus.
Allergy treatments can include the use of antihistamines, decongestants, a steroid nasal spray, oral steroids, or immunotherapies.
The suggested treatment of a deviated septum is a septoplasty. A septoplasty is a surgery that straightens out the septum and allows air to flow more freely.
Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, nasal sprays, decongestants, using a neti-pot, or if it is caused by chronic sinus infections sinus surgery may be suggested.
GERD treatments include no food or drink 3 hours before bed, keeping your head elevated 6-8 inches throughout the night, lose excess weight, no caffeine, no alcohol, use antacids, or use acid blockers.

Your doctor will be able to help you come up with a treatment plan that is best for you depending on what is causing your post nasal drip.

If you suffer from post nasal drip there are ways to help prevent it. One is to take a daily allergy pill if you have allergies. Keeping your house clean and dust free on all surfaces can also help decrease post nasal drip. Using pillow and mattress covers to avoid dust mites. Change your air filters frequently. Showering before bed, or after you have been outside to get rid of pollen or dust on your clothing, body and hair can also be beneficial.

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