Can allergies cause chronic post-nasal drip in a teenager?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 18-year-old male. I have been having some problems, like:

Sore throat.
Nasal congestion.
Pain in muscles.
Clicking joints.

The problem is today I could feel sick like I have a cold and tomorrow I can feel normal like nothing happened. All the symptoms go away within a day and come within a day.

I also get this tired feeling and sore throat (post nasal drip). I thought it was allergies but now I am not sure what is going on.

This has been going on for three weeks on and off. It started after I choked on some water pretty badly. It might be all in my head. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder about a year ago.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From your symptoms, it seems like you suffer from post-nasal drip frequently. It is commonly associated with a sore throat and sinus congestion.

When it occurs along with the symptoms you mentioned, it frequently points to allergies. For instance, recurrent exposure to dust mites. Attacks of allergic rhinosinusitis may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, even body aches.

And, they frequently clear up in a day or two. Your case seems quite likely to be chronic rhinosinusitis due to allergies or frequent cold. Steam inhalation with menthol can help with the post-nasal drip if you take it regularly.

Also, antihistamines or intranasal Budesonide spray may be helpful. However, you may need a doctor's prescription for that. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and start taking the medicines with their consent. You could take Paracetamol for the muscle ache, in recommended doses.

I hope you feel better soon.

Take care.

Regards.