Postnasal drip happens when your body overproduces mucus, which drips down the back of your nose and into your throat. Symptoms of postnasal drip may include but are not limited to:
- Chronic cough
- Excessive throat clearing
- Dry or sore throat
- Feelings of mucus in the throat
- Hoarseness
- Gurgling
- Bad breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ear infections if mucus clogs the Eustachian tubes
Production of mucus in the nose and throat is normal and beneficial. Mucus serves many functions, including:
- Moistening the air you breathe
- Moistening and cleaning the nasal lining
- Trapping and clearing adverse inhalations
- Fighting infections
Your nose and throat glands may produce between one and two quarts of mucus daily. That sounds like a lot, but you don’t generally notice it because it mixes with saliva and drips down the back of your throat. Issues arise when you feel mucus dripping from your nose or gathering in your throat.
What Are the Possible Causes?
Postnasal drip is most commonly caused by allergies, but there are many possible causes, including but not limited to the following:
- Deviated septum
- Colds or the flu
- Bacterial infections
- Cold or dry air
- Sinus infections
- Spicy foods
- Pregnancy
- Bright lights
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux or GERD)
- Certain medications
If you or someone you’ve come into contact with both have postnasal drip, the cause is likely from a transmittable source such as sinus infections, colds, the flu or bacterial infections.
How Can You Treat Postnasal Drip?
Treatment options for postnasal drip will vary depending on the condition’s cause. Some treatments for common causes include:
- Allergies. Try managing the symptoms of your allergies with allergen avoidance, antihistamines, decongestants and other treatments. Once allergy symptoms lessen, postnasal drip should go away.
- Cold and flu. Try drinking warm tea to thin out the excess mucus, and remember to stay hydrated.
- Acid reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, with approximately 20% of Western adults afflicted. Treatments for GERD may include avoiding food and drinks for at least three hours before bed, taking antacids or cutting caffeine. Try picking up some caffeine-free ginger tea at Alexandria Farmers Market to help soothe indigestion and prevent postnasal drip.
Contact Red River ENT Associates today to speak to an ear, nose and throat specialist about your postnasal drip.
