It is rare to have true postnasal dripping with no obvious nasal and sinus symptoms. Other organ systems can also affect the back of the throat. One of them could be the lungs and trachea.
Cold weather or dry air can also cause postnasal drip. Breathing cold or dry air may irritate a person's nose and throat, so their body will create mucus to humidify and warm the passages and ease this irritation.
The most common causes of post-nasal drip are: viral infections in your nose and throat (such as a cold) hay fever — inflammation of the inside lining of your nose, also called 'allergic rhinitis' sinusitis —inflammation of the hollow spaces in the bones of your face (sinuses)
Post-nasal drip often leads to a sore, irritated throat. Although there is usually no infection, the tonsils and other tissues in the throat may swell. This can cause discomfort or a feeling that there is a lump in the throat. Successful treatment of the post-nasal drip will usually clear up these throat symptoms.
Swallowing problems or acid reflux can give patients similar symptoms of nasal/throat drainage or phlegm. A correct diagnosis of the underlying problem is essential to properly treat a patient with post-nasal drip.
Postnasal drip makes you feel like you constantly want to clear your throat. It also can trigger a cough, which often gets worse at night. In fact, postnasal drip is one of the most common causes of a cough that just won't go away. Too much mucus may also make you feel hoarse and give you a sore, scratchy throat.
Post nasal drip caused by allergies (Allergic Rhinitis) often have accompanying symptoms like sneezing, an itchy nose, and teary/itchy eyes. It is also a seasonal condition that most commonly affects children and young adults.
The Postnasal Drip Cough
This kind of cough can be either wet or dry, but is caused by mucus drainage from your sinuses down the back of your throat. This drip tickles your nerves and makes you cough. It is normally caused by either allergies or the common cold.
How Does Stress Cause Acid Reflux and Post Nasal Drip? Stress increases stomach acid and some of that excess acid will reflux up. The mucous will drip in the back of the nose and throat to coat the throat and provide protection from acid that can otherwise burn and cause ulcers.
Rhinitis (inflammation of lining of the inside of your nose) is one of the most common causes of post-nasal drip. Rhinitis is often due to allergies (allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever) but can be caused by other things such as the common cold, hormonal changes and certain medicines.
Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) and loratadine (brand Claritin) are good second-generation antihistamines that are non-sedating and could be good for mild to moderate postnasal drip symptoms.
Postnasal drip caused by allergies can be managed with OTC antihistamines and decongestants. Note that older antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton can actually thicken mucus; instead, try Claritin, Alavert, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal or Clarinex.
However, if you experience postnasal drip without producing mucus when you cough or blow your nose, that drip you feel may be a symptom of laryngopharyngeal reflux — or “silent” acid reflux. When you have a cold, flu or even allergies, your body produces excess mucus or mucus that is thicker than usual.
Dry nasal and sinus passageways may be caused by weather that is low in humidity, as well as certain health conditions including allergies and dehydration. Symptoms of dry nose and sinuses may include congestion, headaches, and inflammation. In addition, your nose and mouth may feel dry, as well as irritated.
Most cases of post-nasal drip go away with time, but long-lasting, untreated post-nasal drip and excess mucus can create a breeding ground for germs, which in turn can lead to additional health complications, including sinus infections and ear infections.
Some people experience tightness in the throat when they are anxious. This can make someone feel as though they have a lump in their throat or that they are choking. Sometimes, this sensation causes further anxiety, creating a vicious cycle.
About catarrh
Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity of the body. It usually affects the back of the nose, the throat or the sinuses (air-filled cavities in the bones of the face). It's often temporary, but some people experience it for months or years. This is known as chronic catarrh.
The feeling of mucus accumulating in the throat or dripping from the back of your nose is called post-nasal drip. This is caused by increased secretions that can be thin or thick in consistency.
Thick and sticky mucus is mostly green in color. If the mucus has a tinge of brownish or red blood, it may be the result of a dried or irritated nose because of excessive picking, rubbing and blowing.
Post nasal drip that is caused by viral infections, such as the cold or flu, could last for weeks or longer, depending on the type of treatment and a person's immune response. Whereas, post nasal drip caused by seasonal allergies may cause symptoms to flare up suddenly and disappear after just a short time.
Your condition could be more serious when the postnasal drip is accompanied by symptoms such as: Extreme difficulty breathing or swallowing. A lump in or on the throat or neck. Sores inside your nose that won't heal.
Postnasal drip is generally more noticeable at night, especially when you are lying down to sleep. Possible complications include the blocking of the Eustachian tube, which joins the throat to the middle ear, leading to a painful ear infection.
What Are the Most Common Post-Nasal Drip Symptoms? Feeling mucus drip down the back of your throat can make you feel like you constantly have to clear your throat and cough. This can lead to a sore or scratchy throat, bad breath and nausea when the mucus reaches your stomach.