Post-Nasal Drip Associated with Sinusitis
Published on Nov 17, 2017 and last reviewed on Sep 07, 2018 - 3 min read
Abstract
Post-nasal drip is the dripping of mucus from the nasal and sinus passages down the back of the throat. This article talks in detail about this common health nuisance.
Post-nasal drip is defined as the dripping of mucus from the nasal and sinus passages down the back of the throat. It is a common health condition affecting males and females equally and is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society.
It commonly affects people in the urban areas. It is invariably related to chronic rhinosinusitis and is common in people who are prone to allergy or with a family history of atopy or asthma. Frequent exposure to environmental pollutants and allergens cause repeated inflammation of the sinus and nasal mucus linings leading to a thickening of the membranes and an excess production of mucus.
This excess mucus accumulates within the sinuses and drips down the throat, causing a feeling of post nasal drip. It also provides a suitable environment for bacterial growth and infection.
Common Allergens Associated:
- Dust mites.
- Pollen.
- Mold.
- Smoke.
- Animal dander.
Symptoms of Post-Nasal Drip:
- A feeling of something dripping at the back of the throat.
- A dry cough.
- Tickle in the throat.
- Itchy, sore throat.
- Blocked nose and sinuses.
- A feeling of phlegm or mucus stuck in the throat.
- Chronic throat clearing.
Remedies That Provide Relief:
Avoiding repeated exposure to allergens can significantly reduce the symptoms of chronic sinusitis and post-nasal drip. However, the following measures can help treat the condition.
- Steam with menthol inhalation, several times a day - this is gold.
- Drinking a mixture of warm water with lime and honey, to clear the mucus stuck in the throat.
- Saline nasal wash.
- Steam bath.
- Antihistamines for short duration.
- Nasal decongestants for three to five days use.
- Intranasal steroid spray such as Budesonide or Fluticasone for short-term use.
- Cough suppressants can be used.
- Mast cell stabilizers are also prescribed to people with a family history of asthma or atopy.
- If there is bacterial pharyngitis from the stagnant mucus in the throat, antibiotics may be required.
- Moreover, it is important to treat the chronic sinusitis, in order to clear the excess mucus in the sinuses.
Complications:
- Prolonged post-nasal drip can lead to pharyngitis and even tracheobronchitis.
- It can interfere with work and day-to-day activities.
- Constant coughing can be a source of irritation for both oneself and others.
- It significantly affects the quality of sleep, as it frequently disturbs the patient's sleep.
- Severe sinusitis and post-nasal drip can even lead to breathlessness or an inability to take a deep breath.
- Post-nasal drip associated with chronic sinusitis can also cause a headache which can be mild to moderate in intensity.
For more information consult a sinusitis specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/ENT-Otolaryngologist/sinusitis
07 Sep 2018 - 3 min read
RATING
Ask a Query
Consult by Phone
Video ChatRelated Questions & Answers
How to prevent sinusitis, dry nose and shivering during winters?
Query: Hello doctor, I have a recurring ailment that I usually get once or twice per winter. It starts with extreme shivering and overheating, but no fever. Day two usually involves a very dry nose, very low energy, and heightened sensitivity to touch or light. Days 3 to 5 usually involve more traditional... Read Full >>
ENT Otolaryngologist
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Most of these attacks start as a viral infection and then become complicated by bacterial infection. These attacks are hard to be prevented completely but the use of seasonal influenza vaccines are helpful and can decrease the number of the attacks. Flu vaccines are tak... Read Full
What to do if strep test is positive, but my symptoms are like viral?
Query: Hi doctor, During my travel I had a sore throat, 102 degree fever and back aches. I did not have a stuffy nose or congestion. I previously had bladder infection three weeks ago and the doctor whom I visited in that place prescribed me Levofloxacin. I think he was treating me for a kidney infection, ... Read Full >>
Internal Medicine Physician
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Strep pharyngitis is usually graded by modified center criteria. I do not have all the elements to plug in the numbers. Classically, you should have fever, exudates on the tonsils and posterior pharynx, cervical lymph node enlargement and absence of cough. Your posi... Read Full
Can allergic asthma turn into permanent asthma?
Query: Hello doctor,I am 29 years old now. I have allergic asthma for last 6 to 7 years but in very mild form (mild suffocation and coughing for 2 to 3 days, once in three months). It used to get triggered by an old house (old book or newspaper dust) or distemper and paints or orange flavored drinks. But s... Read Full >>
Pulmonologist
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per your symptoms, you are suffering from bronchial asthma with allergic rhinitis, but you need to confirm this by doing a spirometry with reversibility test. Asthma is a disease related to hypersensitivity of our respiratory system to some allergens which cause tri... Read Full
Most Popular Articles
Do you have a question on Asthma or Sinusitis?
Ask a Doctor Online* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.