How to Manage Postnasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The human body is equipped with a range of mechanisms to maintain its overall well-being. While some of these mechanisms are readily noticeable in our daily lives, such as sweating during exercise to regulate body temperature, there are many other ways our body takes care of itself and ensures optimal functioning. An excellent illustration of this is the production of mucus, which serves to moisturize and protect the nasal passages from potential irritants. Additionally, mucus plays a vital role in trapping foreign particles and bacteria, which can sometimes result in the formation of dried nasal mucus. These various self-regulating processes highlight the body’s remarkable ability to sustain its health and functionality.

What is Postnasal Drip?

Postnasal drip is a condition where this excess mucus can build up in the back of your throat and nasal passages, instead of being directed through the nose and cleared as normal. This can be experienced due to issues like acid reflux or allergies, or it could be a simple side effect of inflamed sinuses.

There are many potential reasons why you’d encounter chronic postnasal drip. Ultimately, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor will be able to determine the most likely reason why. This may include:

• Sinusitis: Also known as an inflammation of the sinuses which allows for excessive mucus production.
• Exposure to irritants: This might include smoke, chemicals (such as when cleaning with little ventilation), pollution, and more.
• Respiratory conditions or viral infections: For example, Covid-19, the flu, and more.
• Acid reflux: While uncomfortable and a condition of its own, a side-effect of acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease) can be a nasal drip.
• Allergies: If you encounter hay fever, you are most likely aware of postnasal drip and how uncomfortable this can be. This is because postnasal drip is one of the main symptoms of reacting to allergens.

What Are the Symptoms of Postnasal Drip?

Postnasal drip can feel uncomfortable to experience this condition and may lead to persistent coughing or the desire to frequently clear your nose, with unproductive results. This excess mucus could also cause hoarseness in your throat, a feeling of congestion and discomfort. As if that wasn’t enough, you may also encounter nausea, or bad breath as a result of mucus exposure.

Put simply, postnasal drip is an uncomfortable experience. Luckily, you don’t have to sit down and endure it without complaint. There are helpful treatment pathways you can use to soothe this condition or reduce how frequently it affects you.

What Are the Treatment and Management Options for Postnasal Drip?

Implementing certain practices can aid in managing mucus-related issues, such as maintaining good oral hygiene, elevating the head during sleep, inhaling steam and staying hydrated to promote easier breathing and alleviate discomfort.

• Care for your oral hygiene and dental environment: This can help reduce the onset of halitosis from mucus exposure. Carrying sugar-free dental mints with you can also help you if managing the condition and suffer bad breath because of it.
• Sleep with an elevated head: An extra pillow can help you prevent mucus from pooling in the back of your throat, which allows you to breathe more easily.
• Inhale steam: Abowl of hot water (holding a towel above your head to gather the steam) or a warm shower can allow you to breathe in steam which will help to moisten the mucus, ultimately helping it to dispel more quickly.
• Keep hydrated: This will help thin your mucus which allows you to expel it more quickly and comfortably.

When treating postnasal drip, various options are available, including medications such as antibiotics, decongestants, and nasal sprays, as well as seeking support from an ENT specialist who can offer a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and potential treatment options for conditions like allergies or inflammation.

• Medications: This may include antibiotics to help address bacterial infections, reflux medications, decongestants, nasal sprays, or antihistamines to help control allergic reactions.
• Inflammation support: This can include nasal corticosteroids or the aforementioned antihistamines to control inflammation from allergic reactions.
• ENT specialist help: An ENT doctor can provide a full-scale evaluation and diagnosis of your postnasal drip, which can also include allergy testing.

Depending on your specific condition, your ENT specialist may suggest additional treatments such as immunotherapy, sinus irrigation or surgical interventions to address structural issues and improve drainage. They can also provide guidance on managing acid reflux, which can exacerbate symptoms and impact other ENT conditions.

Get the Treatment You Need

Our Omaha ENT services are capable of identifying and assisting with any ENT condition. We take pride in helping our clients upgrade their quality of life and address uncomfortable conditions like postnasal drip, leading to healthier wellbeing outcomes. Call us today at (402) 983-9948, we look forward to speaking with you.