Post Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Care

Postnasal drip is the result of excessive mucus accumulating in the nasal cavities. The condition is often triggered by factors like cold and flu, allergies, gastroesophageal acid reflux, sinusitis, bacterial or viral infection, etc. The condition causes a lot of discomfort to the people suffering from it. In this article, we will explore postnasal drip meaning, causes, symptoms and available treatment options.

What Is Postnasal Drip?

Postnasal drip, also referred to as nasal drip, is a condition when too much mucus moves downward from your nasal cavity to reach the back of your throat or pharynx. You might feel a tickle, need to clear your throat often or even develop a lingering cough because of it.

It’s normal for your nose and throat to produce mucus every day. In fact, they make about one to two quarts of it daily. This mucus isn’t a bad thing. It actually helps protect you. It keeps your nose moist, adds moisture to the air you breathe, traps dust and germs and helps your body fight infections.

Most of the time, you don’t even notice it. The mucus mixes with your saliva, and you swallow it without thinking. But when it gets thicker, or when your body makes too much of it, like during a cold or allergy flare-up, you start to feel it gathering in your throat. That’s when it becomes more noticeable and can start to feel uncomfortable.

Mucus Colours Meaning

Changes in the colour and texture of the mucus indicate that something is going on within your body. For a patient suffering from postnasal drip, the colour of the mucus tells a lot:

1. Clear mucus

If the mucus is clear, it indicates that your nasal passage is still healthy. Clear mucus often hints at the initial stages of an allergy or cold.

2. White mucus

If the mucus has a whitish or cloudy appearance, you must understand that your nasal infection or cold has progressed. White mucus is a thickened mucus rapidly losing its moisture content.

3. Yellow mucus

If the colour of the mucus turns yellow, it indicates that the nasal infection or cold has worsened. This happens because your immune system sends white blood cells to the affected area to help clear out the germs. As these cells build up, they can give your mucus a yellowish tint.

4. Green mucus

Green mucus can sometimes be a sign that your body is fighting a stronger viral or bacterial infection. The green colour comes from enzymes released by white blood cells as they break down after responding to the infection. Green mucus can also be a sign of sinusitis.

5. Brown mucus

Brown mucus is common in people who smoke heavily and have a certain lung disease. The brown colour of the mucus may also indicate the presence of dry blood caused by an injury to the nasal blood vessels during forceful blowing.

6. Red mucus

Red mucus indicates that there is blood in your mucus. Red mucus is often a sign of forceful nose blowing.

7. Black mucus

Black mucus can be an indication of heavy exposure to pollution or a serious type of fungal infection.

Causes

Postnasal drip can be triggered by a variety of health conditions and external factors. Common causes include allergies, colds, the flu, sinus infections, rhinitis, hay fever and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). It may also occur as a side effect of certain medications or as part of the natural ageing process. In rare cases, a tumour in the nasal or throat area can lead to postnasal drip.

Aside from medical conditions, several other factors can also contribute. These include a deviated nasal septum, sudden weather changes, spicy foods, pregnancy, exposure to strong fumes or chemical irritants, perfumes and even sensitivity to bright lights. All of these can irritate the nasal passages or increase mucus production, leading to the sensation of mucus dripping down the throat.

Symptoms

Postnasal drip produces a plethora of annoying symptoms. Some of the nasal drip symptoms are:

• Hoarseness of voice

• Scratchy or lumpy sensation in the throat

• Persistent cough

• Bad breath

• Tonsil inflammation

• Ear pain

• Repeated urge to clear the throat

• Sore throat

• Nausea and vomiting

If you see any of these symptoms, seek medical attention and claim through health insurance online to ensure you don’t have to worry about excess medical costs.

Diagnosis

To diagnose postnasal drip, your doctor will usually begin by reviewing your medical history and asking about your symptoms. A physical examination of your nose, throat and ears may follow. Based on the findings, your doctor might refer you to a specialist, such as an allergist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist. The ENT specialist may ask you to get a nasal endoscopy done. If coughs are one of your prominent symptoms, then imaging tests like chest X-rays may be advised.

Treatment

Postnasal drip treatment depends on the cause. Here are some common treatment methods:

1. Cold and flu

Postnasal drip caused by a cold or the flu can usually be managed at home. Drinking warm liquids like tea or soup can help loosen thick mucus.

2. Allergies

If your postnasal drip is caused by allergies, it’s important to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Medications like antihistamines, decongestants and steroid or cromolyn nasal sprays can offer relief.

3. Deviated septum

When a postnasal drip is linked to a deviated septum, surgery may be needed. A procedure called septoplasty can straighten the nasal septum, improve airflow and reduce mucus buildup.

4. Bacterial infections

If a bacterial infection is the cause, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Other supportive treatments may include nasal sprays, decongestants like pseudoephedrine and saline nasal rinses or neti pots to flush out mucus. If the condition is due to chronic sinusitis, sinus surgery may be recommended to open up the blocked sinuses.

5. Acid reflux

Postnasal drip caused by acid reflux can be managed with lifestyle changes. Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least three hours before going to bed. Try to keep your head raised by six to eight inches while sleeping. Losing excess weight, avoiding caffeine and alcohol and taking antacids or acid blockers can also help relieve symptoms.

Home Remedies to Deal With It

In many cases, postnasal drip can be managed at home with simple remedies that help reduce mucus buildup and soothe throat irritation. Here are a few effective options you can try:

• Hydrate yourself with adequate fluids such as warm soups and stews.

• Regular steam inhalation can clear your nasal passages of excess mucus.

• Humidify the air using a humidifier. This can speed up mucus thinning.

• Consume Manuka honey to ease the issue of a sore throat.

• Gargle with warm salt water three to four times a day to ease throat discomfort.

While effective remedies can serve you well, some cases may require medical attention. Hence, you ensure that you do not completely rely on these remedies. Use your individual health insurance policy to cover the costs of your treatments.

Tips to Prevent it

Along with home remedies, certain lifestyle changes and precautions can help prevent postnasal drip from getting worse or coming back. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Stay away from triggers like smoke, pollen, dust and other irritants like perfumes, etc.

• Do not eat a big meal to avoid nasal drip due to GERD.

• If you are already suffering from cold, do not enter AC rooms or any other place that has a cold, chilly ambience.