
Postnasal drainage, also known as a postnasal drip, occurs when mucus from your nasal passageways or sinuses runs down the back of the throat. Some drainage is necessary to help flush irritants out of the nasal cavity and moisten the tissues, but conditions like allergies and infections can trigger excessive mucus production, which can lead to a sore throat or coughing as you try to clear the blockage.
At Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat in Surprise, Arizona, otolaryngologists Dr. James Osborne and Dr. Bryan Smedley want you to understand how your nose works to keep you healthy and when the symptoms of postnasal drainage you’re experiencing warrant medical attention. Here’s what you need to know.
While some postnasal drainage occurs all the time as part of your nose’s cleaning regimen, a number of different conditions can lead to a worsening of your symptoms. In some cases your body produces more or thicker mucus, and in others, it doesn’t clear away the mucus as quickly as usual, leading to a buildup in the back of your throat.
Common chronic causes include:
Common temporary conditions include:
Depending on the cause of your postnasal drainage, your symptoms can last a few days, a few weeks, or months on end. Symptoms of postnasal drip include:
Your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the day, and they may get worse after lying down or speaking for a long time.
Most of the time, postnasal drainage doesn’t require medical attention, but you should come in to see the doctor if:
Some strategies for treating a postnasal drip can help regardless of the cause:
OTC remedies can help with other symptoms:
Sometimes, you need a prescription to help with the symptoms. If you have a bacterial or fungal respiratory infection, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics. For persistent postnasal drip complicated by asthma, he may prescribe Atrovent or steroids.
GERD should be checked out by a gastroenterologist. He’ll advise avoiding fatty and spicy foods, he may prescribe an anti-reflux medication, and he’ll suggest you sleep with your head slightly elevated so the acid remains in the stomach.
In the case of a deviated septum or other anatomical anomaly, corrective surgery may be the only way to permanently treat the postnasal drip.
If you feel chronically congested, have a permanent “lump” in your throat, or have a perpetually runny nose, come see the doctors at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat for a diagnosis and targeted treatment. Give us a call at 623-234-4640 to schedule a consultation, or book online today.