Learn more about what causes post-nasal drip and chronic post-nasal drip, as well as what your options are for finding relief. In order to better understand what causes post-nasal drip and how long post-nasal drip lasts, we need to get familiar with the role of mucus. Your body produces mucus every day to both lubricate your sinuses and help flush allergens and germs out of your system.
Typically, this mucus exits your body in one of two ways: by mixing with your saliva and being swallowed or when you blow your nose. Post-nasal drip is primarily caused when factors such as dry air, illness, allergens, and other irritants induce the creation of an overabundance of mucus in your sinuses.
The following factors have been shown to increase your chances of experiencing post-nasal drip:. Check and see if you are also experiencing any of these common post-nasal drip symptoms:. Note: Whether you are experiencing post-nasal drip by itself or in conjunction with sinusitis, you may find some additional relief at night by propping your head up. If you notice that your sleep is unusually disturbed, read our blog regarding chronic sinusitis and sleep apnea. While post-nasal drip certainly is a nuisance, it is not considered to be a serious condition.
This is fortunate, since many people live with chronic post-nasal drip, especially during allergy season. That said, many doctors recommend seeing your doctor if your post-nasal drip has not cleared up within 10 days. Most cases of post-nasal drip go away with time, but long-lasting, untreated post-nasal drip and excess mucus can create a breeding ground for germs, which in turn can lead to additional health complications, including sinus infections and ear infections.
If you notice that your excess mucus has become discolored or bloody, has a bad odor, or is accompanied by a fever, visit your doctor as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Aug DFW Sinus Select. What causes post-nasal drip? The excess mucus production that triggers post-nasal drip has a number of possible causes, including: Cold Flu Allergies Sinus infection or sinusitis inflammation of the sinuses Pregnancy or other hormonal changes Certain medications including birth control pills and high blood pressure medications A deviated septum misalignment of the wall that separates the two nostrils or another anatomical problem that interferes with the normal production and easy flow of mucus Changing weather fronts, cold temperatures, or excessive dryness in the air Certain foods, including ones that are spicy Environmental irritants, including chemicals, perfumes, cleaning products, and smoke What are the symptoms of post-nasal drip?
Post-nasal drip can create several annoying symptoms, including: A tickling feeling that makes you want to constantly clear your throat Hoarseness Sore throat Coughing, which often gets worse at night. Post-nasal drip is the most common cause of chronic cough.
Ear infection if mucus plugs up your Eustachian tube, which connects the throat and the middle ear Sinus infection if your sinus passages become plugged by mucus What does treatment for post-nasal drip include?
Where can I find treatment for post-nasal drip in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? These cells contain a greenish-colored enzyme that can turn the mucus the same color. In the cases of a deviated septum, corrective surgery may be the only way to permanently treat postnasal drip. This surgery called a septoplasty tightens and straightens the nasal septum. Some parts of the nasal septum may need to be removed to do this. If you think GERD, acid reflux, or trouble swallowing could be causing the feeling of postnasal drip, your primary care physician can run tests and prescribe medications to check for other health problems.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. The best way to prevent postnasal drip is to reduce exposure to allergens as much as possible. Here are a few tips:. Most postnasal drip is benign, if annoying.
If you experience any additional symptoms alongside the postnasal drip, consider making an appointment with your doctor for treatment recommendations. Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home.
Try these remedies and OTC products to relieve your symptoms. A variety of health conditions — most of which are related to your sinuses — can trigger a rotten smell in your nose. Most are not serious, but some…. Sore throats are a common symptom caused by infections or environmental factors. We help you out with the causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor. Get tips for soothing a sore throat, such as gargling salt water, rucking lozenges, using a humidifier, drinking tea with honey, staying hydrated, and….
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