Someone Fix That Tap - What Is Post-Nasal Drip?

As unpleasant and irritating as a leaky kitchen tap is post-nasal drip. Though glands in your throat and nose are constantly producing mucus (as they should, to help protect against infection, filter your inhaled air, and keep your nasal passages moist), if you’re noticing an accumulation of mucus in the back of your throat or nose, this is considered post-nasal drip.

Post-nasal drip symptoms

No, there is no audible dripping noise. Instead, the symptoms you’re more likely to experience might include:

• The sensation of mucus trickling from the back of your nose down your throat
• Needing to swallow often
• Persistent coughing or clearing of your throat
• Feeling a persistent lump in your throat
• A raspy, hoarse, gurgly tone to your voice
• Throat irritation

If your post-nasal drip has been caused by a condition such as allergies or a bacterial infection, you’re likely to notice other associated symptoms at the same time, such as sneezing or itching from an allergy, or pain and fever from an infection.

What causes this infernal leaking? 

There are a lot of causes of excessive mucus production that can result in post-nasal drip. Some of these causes are short-term and very normal, such as after eating spicy foods. Young children may also show symptoms of post-nasal drip because they’ve gone and done what young children often go and do – stick something up their nose.

Other common triggers of post-nasal drip include:

• Allergies
• A cold or flu
• Sinus infection
• Air pollutants or irritants
• Thickened mucus from certain medications or breathing in cold or dry air
• Older age (associated with geriatric rhinitis in this context)
• Gastroesophageal reflux

Post-nasal drip can be less commonly associated with pregnancy and other hormonal changes in the body. Some people also experience a sudden increase in mucus production in response to bright lights.

Call the plumber

Or alternatively, see your doctor. Your family physician may be able to diagnose post-nasal drip by taking a detailed history of your symptoms and figuring out whether you have any relevant triggering factors. They may also conduct a physical exam of your nose and throat. In some cases, you may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist), who can perform a more detailed exam of your nose and throat with a nasal endoscopy procedure or X-ray. A nasal endoscopy uses a long, flexible camera and light system to visualize hard-to-reach places in the nose.

Effective treatment of post-nasal drip relies on identifying what’s causing it. If allergies are responsible, it makes sense to treat them, whether through natural solutions or medications. And if your allergies are really out of control, it may be worthwhile seeing an allergy doctor for more intensive treatments such as allergy shots. Bacterial sinus infections are managed with antibiotics, decongestants in the case of colds or flu, or antacids for reflux.

In addition to targeted treatments and avoiding any known triggers, a room humidifier can help, as can thinning out the mucus by staying well-hydrated or using a saline nasal rinse. Some people find they get a better night’s sleep by elevating their head slightly, which helps to prevent mucus accumulating at the back of your throat. Certain medicated nasal sprays can alleviate symptoms by reducing mucus production.

On some occasions, a deviated septum may contribute to post-nasal drip. This condition is typically addressed through a surgical procedure, known as a septoplasty, performed by your Berger Henry ENT doctor.

Post-nasal drip may not be a life-threatening disease, but it isn’t something you need to put up with either. If you’re bothered by that drip, drip, dripping, it’s sensible to try easy home remedies first such as a humidifier, nasal irrigation, or improving your water intake before seeing your family doctor.