Postnasal dripoccurs when your body produces too muchmucus.
This mucus then drips down the back of your nose and gather in your throat.
This can cause chronic coughing or throat clearing, and produces a dry, sore throat.
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Having mucus in the back of your throat is normal.
The glands in your nose and throat produce about 12 quarts of mucus per day.
The process of mucus draining down your throat usually occurs without your knowledge.
However, it becomes a problem when your body produces more mucus than it needs.
Postnasal drip can occur as a symptom of many types of conditions.
Finding the source of the problem can help identify the right treatment.
This article explains the common symptoms of postnasal drip.
It also covers causes, how they’re treated, and when you should seek medical advice.
This causes the mucus to accumulate at the back of your throat.
The condition triggers a set of reactions that cause irritation and discomfort.
If your child has these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
Causes of Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip often occurs as a symptom of anotheracute or chronichealth condition.
It can also result fromstructural abnormalitiesof your sinuses and nose.
Often, identifying and treating the underlying cause of postnasal drip resolves the problem.
When you encounter an allergen, yourimmune systemoverreacts.
It triggers the overproduction of antibodies to protect you from perceived harm.
This causes your body to produce extra mucus to eliminate the foreign substance.
The mucus also changes from its normally thin and pale consistency into a thicker, sometimes yellowish, liquid.
Postnasal drip linked to allergies usually occurs as a symptom ofhay fever, or allergic rhinitis.
This condition is often accompanied by a stuffy, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
The condition can be triggered byseasonalorperennialallergens.
This condition causes an inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the face.
A sinus infection is usually due to a virus, though it can also result from bacteria.
It takes place if stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
The contents of the stomach acid can cause inflammation and damage the respiratory tract or esophagus.
GERD is worse when you lie down.
If you experience a feeling of food getting stuck in youresophagus, seek immediate medical attention.
This can cause pneumonia and respiratory failure, which can be fatal.
What Medications Can Cause Postnasal Drip?
Certain medications can cause or irritate nasal symptoms, which can lead to postnasal drip.
Never discontinue or change medications without medical advice.
Your healthcare provider can determine whether your infection is sparked by bacteria, fungi, or a virus.
Bacterial infections usually require treatment with a prescription antibiotic.
In this case, surgical intervention may be advised to correct the problem and treat your postnasal drip.
In some cases, postnasal drip may be a symptom ofnasal polyps.
These growths develop when the mucous membranes in the nasal passages and sinuses remain inflamed.
It can make you feel like there is a constant drip at the back of your throat.
The chronic sore throat can also make you irritable and unable to eat the right foods.
Postnasal drip occurs as a symptom of allergies and other chronic health problems.
Finding and treating the underlying problem can often improve your throat and nasal symptoms.
Home remedies and prescription drugs can also provide relief.
When drugs and other treatments don’t help, surgery may be advised.
The bang out of surgery used depends on the problem that needs to be fixed.
A Word From Verywell
Postnasal drip can make you uncomfortable during the day and restless at night.
It can lead to irritability and frustration, as well.
Seeking an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward achieving relief from your symptoms.
Based on your diagnosis, they can advise the right therapies for your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people succeed in treating post nasal drip with home remedies.
However, if your postnasal drip persists despite treatment, you should consult your healthcare provider.
Contact your medical provider if you have symptoms of postnasal drip accompanied by signs of infection.
This can include a high fever, nausea, or foul-smelling mucus.
Staying hydrated is an important part of treating postnasal drip.
Water helps to thin mucus thickened by infection.
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