When Should You Contact A Doctor For Postnasal Drip
However, if your postnasal drip does not go away after a few weeks, or if you develop additional or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. This could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Get prompt medical care for postnasal drip that occurs with:
- foul smelling discharge
- nonhealing sore in your nose
- loose or painful upper teeth
What Is Causing Your Irritating Post Nasal Drip
by Alan S. Berger, M.D. | Feb 15, 2019 | Post Nasal Drip
Post nasal drip is irritating. It can cause congestion, a cough and a sore throat. It feels as though liquid is running down the back of your throat, and in many cases, it is. Post nasal drip is actually part of a condition called rhinitis an inflammation of the lining of the nose.
Post nasal drip, its causes and treatmentsPost nasal drip occurs when mucus accumulates in the back of the nose. The mucus may drip down the back of the throat, either because there is excessive buildup, and/or because the nose is blocked and there is no way for the mucus to run out the nose. In reality, mucus mixes with saliva and exits down the throat daily. We dont notice it until it becomes thick and there is more of it than usual.
The main symptom of post nasal drip is the sensation that fluid is running down the back of the nose but other symptoms can include a nagging cough, hoarseness, congestion, or a sore throat.1
Post nasal drip can be caused by myriad conditions or substances and, interestingly, what causes the condition in one person may not cause it in another. Some of the causes of post nasal drip include:
- The common cold
- Extremely cold or dry air
- Dust or other particles in the air
- Pregnancy
- Objects stuck in the nose
In addition to medications and the antibiotics that may be prescribed by your physician, there are home remedies that may help ease your symptoms:
What Helps Soothe An Irritated Throat From Post
The best way to combat a sore throat caused by post-nasal drip is to attack the source by treating the post-nasal drip itself. In addition to the solutions mentioned above, you can also:
- Take advantage of gravity by keeping your head elevated so mucus will drain from your nasal passages. For example, try sleeping on two pillows instead of one.
- Inhale steam to thin mucus and moisten your nose and throat, all of which will make it easier to drain. Yep, were giving you permission to take a long, hot shower.
- Use a nasal rinse product like a Neti pot or squeeze bottle
- Try saline or steroid nasal sprays
You May Like: Throat Herpes Vs Strep Throat
Run A Humidifier At Night
Dry air irritates sinuses and can cause your body to ramp up mucus production. To counter that, upping the humidity in your room while you sleep can help clear your nasal passages.
If you use a humidifier, though, make sure to clean the filter as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent mold growth, something that can make breathing more difficult, especially if you have allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
What Is Post Nasal Drip
Mucus helps clean nasal tissues, fight body infection, trap harmful bacteria and humidify the air you breathe. The mucus is produced continually by the glands in the nose and throat, although you do not notice it. But even if you swallow it without noticing it, sometimes you would feel that there is something down at the back of your throat or something thats draining from the back of your nose. This is called post nasal drip.
Post nasal drip gets more noticeable, when your body produces more mucus than normal. At this time, you may have a runny nose or cold. It can be caused by allergies, foods we eat, perfumes, chemical products, pregnancy, illnesses, sinusitis, dry air, etc.
Don’t Miss: Burning In Throat And Chest
What Are Other Options For The Treatment Of Rhinitis And Post
Treatment can also be directed toward specific causes of rhinitis and post-nasal drip as outlined below.
Treatment of infection
The most common nasal infection is a viral infection known as “the common cold.” The virus causes swelling of the nasal membranes and production of thick clear mucus. Symptoms usually last several days. If “a cold” goes on for many days and is associated with yellow or green drainage, a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. Very few patients with a common cold from a virus will go on to have acute bacterial rhinosinusitis from sinus blockage and impaired sinus function. Sinus blockage can lead to acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis , which can be characterized by nasal congestion, thick mucus, and facial or dental pain. From 4 to 12 weeks, the symptoms are classified as subacute sinusitis or recurrent acute sinusitis.
Symptomatic treatment often involves pain relief, decongestants, mucous thinning medications, saline rinses, and antihistamine therapy.
Reflux medications
For rhinitis that is a result of acid reflux disease, antacids can help to neutralize acid contents, whereas other medications such as cimetidine , famotidine , omeprazole , esomeprazole can decrease stomach acid production. Non-pharmacological treatments include avoiding late evening meals and snacks and eliminating alcohol and caffeine. Elevating the head of the bed may help decrease reflux during sleep.
Surgery
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
South Med J.Lancet
Okay I Think Ive Got Itnow What
Both post-nasal drip and sore throats will often go away on their own, but each can be a symptom of a larger condition. If the above treatments dont help, schedule an appointment with your doctor. If it turns out youre experiencing post-nasal drip and sore throat symptoms from allergies, then Picnic can help! We offer a number of allergy treatments, including a nasal spray designed to tackle symptoms like post-nasal drip and throat lozenges. Read our guide on and take our quiz to find out which post-nasal drip medicine will wait for itblow your allergies away.
When Is Nasal Drainage Considered Allergies Or A Sinus Infection
Is your throat achy and sore? Are you literally sick and tired of coughing? Post nasal drip may be to blame. Post nasal drip is simply, fancy medical terminology for mucus running down the back of your throat, which can irritate your throat causing that stubborn cough or a sore throat. Nasal drainage can start out as a simple runny nose that can develop due to a multitude of factors like weather changes, the common cold, flu, allergies and sinus infections. Since there are many possible causes, how can people differentiate between nasal drainage caused by allergies versus a sinus infection?
How Is It Treated
If your post nasal drip last for more than 10 days, smells foul, or youre wheezing, you should seek medical attention. This is especially true if theres blood in your mucus.
Otherwise, you can try some home remedies, including the following:
- Staying well hydrated
- Sleeping with your head slightly elevated
- Using a humidifier or vaporizer
If home remedies arent effective enough, you have ongoing issues or have a symptom thats cause for concern, an ear, nose, and throat specialist can treat your condition. Your doctor can help alleviate symptoms while also treating the underlying condition thats the cause of your discomfort. Treatments may include the following:
- Antihistamines
- Antibiotics only for postnasal drip caused by a bacterial infection
- Medications that block stomach acid production for post nasal drip caused by GERD
- Surgery to correct structural issues such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum
If youre experiencing symptoms of post nasal drip, make an appointment today with Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute. Dr. Yeung has more than 20 years of experience in treating nasal and sinus conditions such as post nasal drip and is dedicated to providing the least invasive, most effective treatment possible.
You Might Also Enjoy…
What Are The Differences
Even though both conditions share similarities such as runny noses, nasal congestion, and sore throats, there are key differences that will help you better diagnose your condition.
Post nasal drip caused by allergies often have accompanying symptoms like sneezing, an itchy nose, and teary/itchy eyes. It is also a seasonal condition that most commonly affects children and young adults.
Post nasal drip induced by a sinus infection is when your nasal cavities become infected, swollen and inflamed by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms include facial pressure or pain around the nose, eyes, forehead and upper jaw. Mucus associated with a sinus infection is usually thicker, cloudy and can have a yellowish or greenish color to it. Sinus infections also may have lingering symptoms long after treatment such as a persistent cough and a sore throat.
Your Postnasal Dripping May Not Be A Drip Or Even Related To Your Nose
- Posted on: Apr 23 2016
- brandon.shaw
Many patients complain of postnasal dripping. Most people perceive this as a sensation of mucus buildup in the back of the throat. The majority of the patients point to the different parts of the neck and the throat area as the center of their discomfort. Various patients also feel sensation of a ball being stuck in the back of the throat or feeling of discomfort with swallowing or symptoms with speaking or breathing.A significant number of patients with self-described symptoms of postnasal dripping actually deny any specific nasal or sinus symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, difficulty breathing, allergies, or recurrent sinus infections.
Other organ systems can also affect the back of the throat. One of them could be the lungs and trachea. In patients suffering from chronic asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, or various lung symptoms, the secretions can come up and land on the back of the throat. These patients typically complain of incessant cough, difficulty breathing, asthma-like symptoms, and chronic secretions. These secretions also tend to be more productive, and they can present as yellow or green secretions. Many patients with either asthma or pneumonia-type symptoms are also significantly symptomatic in addition to the sensation of postnasal dripping.
Warm Liquids And Certain Foods
Warm liquids such as tea and coffee can greatly help soothe a sore throat. But its important to remember to limit your caffeine intake and to stay hydrated. If you are going to drink warm liquids, non-caffeinated tea with honey is a great option. Eating certain foods, including spicy foods, can also help break up your congestion, which may temporarily help reduce post-nasal drip.
How To Stop Post
Your nose is almost constantly producing mucus. In fact, it makes approximately a quart of it each day. Mucus performs necessary functions including trapping bacteria and moistening the airways, but overproduction can lead to some annoying side effects.
Most of the time, the excess liquid combines with saliva and drips down the back of your throat, and you dont even notice. But when production of mucus increases, it can begin thicken and build up in the back of the throat.
And What Is A Sore Throat
A sore throat is most commonly caused by a viral infection, like the cold or the flu, or a bacterial infection, like strep.
The treatment often depends on the cause. For example, sore throats from colds and flus often go away on their ownthough you may want to try different medications and home remedies to relieve the pain until it doeswhile sore throats from a bacterial infection require antibiotics.
How Can I Prevent Postnasal Drip
One way to prevent postnasal drip is by reducing your exposure to things youre allergic to as much as possible. Ways to prevent the condition may include:
- Taking a daily allergy pill.
- Keeping your house dust-free and clean.
- Using pillow covers and mattress covers to prevent dust mites.
- Changing the air filters on your HVAC system frequently.
- Showering before you go to bed if youve spent time outdoors.
Aromatherapy Humidity Nasal Sprays & Steam
The tried and true remedy of using a humidifier or a steamy shower can also help provide temporary relief from sinusitis symptoms such as sore throat. Essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus may also help to open up your sinuses and relieve some of the blockage thats indirectly causing your sore throat. Finally, flushing out your mucus with a neti pot or a saline nasal spray can also provide temporary relief.
When To Seek Medical Care
Post-nasal drip rarely requires medical attention. And it often goes away on its own.
However, you should see a healthcare provider if:
- Your symptoms last longer than a few weeks.
- You feel like you’re choking.
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have a fever, vomiting, or ear pain, which are signs of an infection that requires medical treatment.
How Can I Prevent Post
Allergies are a common problem for many people, and post-nasal drip is often a side effect. While there are treatments available to temporarily relieve the symptoms, the best way to stop post-nasal drip from allergies is to treat your allergies at the root cause.
Sublingual immunotherapy is an allergy treatment that works by introducing small doses of allergens under your tongue. This helps your body build immunity to your triggers, lasting in long-term allergy relief.
If you want to get lifelong relief from your allergies, take our quick online assessment to see if sublingual immunotherapy is right for you!
You Don’t Have Any Other Coronavirus Symptoms
Since there are so many things that can cause a sore throat, it can be a challenge to know if yours is COVID-related. Fortunately, you can rest assured that a sore throat alone is not actually that common a coronavirus symptom. A joint report from the World Health Organization and Chinese researchers found that only 13.9 percent of COVID patients experience a sore throat.
According to Leann Poston, MD, a licensed physician and medical advisor for Invigor Medical, if your sore throat is COVID, you’re likely to experience more common symptoms such as fever, dry cough, fatigue, sputum production, and shortness of breath. However, since there is no way to fully differentiate, you should get a COVID test to make absolutely sure your sore throat is not the virus. And for more on the future of the pandemic, Dr. Fauci Just Said These 3 Things Are About to Make COVID Worse.
Best Life
So How Long Does Post
Patients who ask us, How long does post-nasal drip last? are really asking another question: How can I stop post-nasal drip immediately? While its more or less impossible to stop post-nasal drip immediately, that doesnt mean there arent ways to find relief very quickly.
ENT expert Dr. Napoleon G. Bequer has over 30 years of treating ear, nose, and throat conditions such as post-nasal drip. Whether you want guidance on what post-nasal drip medications to try or are curious about pursuing balloon sinuplasty in Tampa, the staff at Sinus Solutions of South Florida is here to help.
Call Sinus Solutions of South Florida at 561-790-7744 or contact us onlinetoday!
Related Resources:
Can Allergies Cause A Sore Throat
So, the short answer here is yes, Evan Li, MD, an allergist and assistant professor of medicine specializing in immunology, allergy and rheumatology at Baylor College of Medicine, tells Health. A sore throat can be from a direct inflammatory effect of allergens on the back of your throat, from mucus draining down into your throat, or from the irritating effect of coughing.
Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and nose, and runny nose are the most common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, Kelly Simpson, MD, an allergist at Austin Regional Clinic in Austin, Texas, tells Health. But sore throat can also be added to that list, often caused by what’s referred to as “postnasal drip.” This is when increased mucus in the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat. As it drips down, it irritates the throat.
“Postnasal drip, other than causing sore throat, can also cause the sensation of something getting stuck in your throat, tickling or itching in the back of your throat and also irritation that leads to cough,” Dr. Li says.
No one allergen is more prone to causing sore throat than others, but the more potent the allergen, the more likely it is to cause symptoms of allergies overall, Dr. Li says. Some of the most potent allergens are grasses, ragweed, dust mites and cat dander.
Is Postnasal Drip A Symptom Of Covid
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists symptoms of COVID-19, which can include a sore throat, nasal congestion, and a runny nose.
A runny nose is when excess mucus behind the nose comes through the nostrils. Postnasal drip is when extra mucus goes down the throat.
Contact your doctor or perform a home test for COVID-19 if you experience postnasal drip with additional symptoms such as:
Depending on the cause, postnasal drip can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Contact your doctor or other healthcare professional if your postnasal drip does not improve with time or with OTC medications. Getting an accurate diagnosis for what causes your postnasal drip can help you find effective treatment.
Sore Throat And Cough
The constant presence of mucus draining down your throat causes irritation. Your voice can be raspy and sore in a way thats different from a regular sore throat. In fact, your throat symptoms may not even start until the later stages of a cold for example, when youre otherwise feeling better but your nose is still draining. This is a very common complication of postnasal drip.