What is post-nasal drip?

 

Post-nasal drip (PND) occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the nasal mucosa. The excess mucus accumulates in the back of the nose and eventually the throat once it drips down the back of the throat. Hence it is a symptom of other disorders, such as the common cold, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis or a deviated nasal septum.

 

 

 

Symptoms

 

The most common symptom of postnasal drip is the sensation of dripping down the throat. Other accompanying signs and symptoms include sore throat, cough, hoarseness, runny nose, bad breath, vomiting, problems in breathing or sometimes chest pain. The symptoms are usually aggravated while sleeping as mucus secretions may gather and need an act of coughing to clear the mucus from the throat. 

 

 

 

Diagnosis

 

Postnasal drip can lead to chronic cough as the excessive mucus may contain inflammatory substances. Patients should meet with an ENT specialist if they are experiencing a persistent cough without any signs of improvement.

 

The doctor may check the symptoms, such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and assess the breathing. Perform nasoendoscopy to make a correct diagnosis. Nasoendoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the nasal and sinus passages, larynx, pharynx and surrounding structures, often with a fibre optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the nostril to look at the inside of the nose and sinuses. The procedure can be performed after the application of local anaesthesia. The doctor may take a biopsy (removal of tissue) to look for the presence of the disease in the sinuses and the nose.

 

 

 

Treatment

 

Treatment options depend on the nature of the post-nasal drip and its cause. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the PND is the result of a bacterial infection. Other common prescriptions include:

1. Antihistamine medication in case of allergic causes of postnasal drip
2. Decongestants such as Sudafed cause a reduction in membranes through the tightening of blood vessels which resultantly limit PND.
3. Nasal steroid medications or nasal sprays

 

 

Prevention

 

We recommend our citizens to increase fluid intake that may help thin the mucus, use a humidifier at home that could keep the surrounding air moist. Citizens may also prop up pillows while sleeping to avoid mucus collection at the back of the throat. The sources of allergens and irritants can be controlled by dusting, cleaning and vacuuming regularly at home.

 

 

 

*The above information is for reference only, please consult your doctor for detail.