In a normal situation, where there are no irritants or diseases causing trouble, the glands in your nasal passage and throat continuously produce small amounts of mucus. This mucus is there to provide moisture, trap and remove foreign particles, and fight off infections.
Post-nasal drip occurs when your body produces excessive mucus in the nasal passages, causing a buildup that leads to the sensation of mucus dripping down the throat.
Post-nasal drip is extremely common and stems from a wide variety of causes. These range from physical deformities, such as a deviated septum, where the thin wall between the nostrils is displaced to one side, to chronic conditions such as chronic rhinosinusitis.
Most cases of post-nasal drip are linked to irritation in the sinuses, which causes inflammation and increased mucus production. The source of this inflammation varies, but some of the most common culprits are viral infections, such as a cold, bacterial infections like bacterial sinusitis, and allergies.
Some post-nasal drips are not a sign of an underlying condition. Cold, dry weather and spicy food can also trigger a temporary post-nasal drip, but these only last for a short while.
The primary symptom of post-nasal drip is the sensation of mucus draining from the back of the nose into the throat. Although it is more an annoyance than a life-threatening condition, ignoring it can lead to other, more severe conditions.
One common side effect is a sore throat. The excess mucus that drips down the back of the throat from the nasal passages can irritate the throat lining, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
Post-nasal drip can also lead to a cough, as throat irritation triggers the cough reflex. This is often worse at night, since lying down makes it easier for the mucus to run down the throat.
More concerning for some is the impact this irritation has on asthma symptoms. Irritated airways and increased coughing can worsen the symptoms of asthma, leading to more frequent or more severe asthma attacks.
Although post-nasal drip is usually a symptom of another underlying condition, it is still important to treat for several reasons:
Chronic post-nasal drip can create a good environment for bad bacteria to thrive, potentially leading to secondary throat or sinus infections.
The constant sensation of mucus dripping down the throat can be very uncomfortable, as are the sore throat and coughing that it can bring. Treating post-nasal drip quickly can help to improve comfort.
If left untreated, post-nasal drip can lead to more severe issues such as chronic cough, bronchitis, or even pneumonia if mucus is breathed into the lungs.
Post-nasal drip is a common and frustrating symptom which can affect people of all ages. Understanding the causes and symptoms of a post-nasal drip can help you identify the problem and seek out treatment quickly, leading to fast recovery.
There are several treatments available, depending on the cause and duration of the post-nasal drip. The Sinupret range offers solutions for a postnasal drip caused by sinus, cold, and flu-related congestion in both acute and chronic conditions. Speak to your pharmacist or look out for Sinupret at any of these leading pharmacies for quick and effective relief.
