Postnasal Drip

Mohamed Helba

Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus – a watery or sticky discharge – drips from the back of the nose into the upper part of the throat, known as the nasopharynx. Postnasal drip is a very common condition.

Postnasal Drip Versus Runny Nose

Normally, you don't notice the mucus from your nose because it mixes with saliva, drips harmlessly down the back of your throat and you swallow it. The nose and throat produce about a liter or more of mucus a day. Most of it mixes with saliva and is swallowed, but some stay in the nose.

When your body produces more mucus than usual or it’s thicker than normal, it becomes more noticeable. The excess can come out of the nostrils -- that’s a runny nose. When the mucus runs down the back of your nose to your throat, it's called postnasal drip.

Snot, Phlegm and Boogers

Mucus is produced by tissues not just in the nose, but in the mouth, sinuses, throat and gastrointestinal tract. It has a slimy, sticky consistency that traps potentially harmful substances in the environment, such as pollen, viruses and germs.

In the nose, we call mucus snot. If mucus remains in the nose and starts to dry out, it becomes dried nasal mucus or a booger. The mucus coats the lining of our noses and prevents it from drying out, cracking, or bleeding. Preventing injury or damage to the nose is crucial to our immune system because a simple cut gives bacteria, fungus, and viruses direct, unprotected access to our body. Without mucus, we could be much more susceptible to dangerous, potentially life-threatening infections. Mucus produced by your lungs and respiratory system is called phlegm.

Causes

Postnasal drip is a common symptom of colds and other respiratory infections or allergies that have respiratory effects. Postnasal drip is usually due to certain changes in the environment or the body.

One of the most common causes of postnasal drip is allergies. Seasonal allergies due to plants releasing their pollen may cause trigger postnasal drip, as the body produces extra mucus to try and eliminate the pollen spores.

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. Cold weather also has links to viral infections, such as the flu, sinus infections and the common cold. These infections cause postnasal drip. Additionally, the body reacts to invading germs by creating more mucus to flush them out.

Causes of postnasal drip also include large adenoids, chronic adenoiditis, chronic respiratory conditions, vasomotor rhinitis, bright lights, certain foods or spices, pregnancy, and other hormonal changes, medications that thicken mucus and gastroesophageal reflux. Thin clear secretions can be due to various drugs (including birth control pills and high blood pressure medications) and irregular nose cartilage can also produce increased mucus. Smoking cause mucus buildup.

Living in a city with air pollution may cause more postnasal drip, breathing and sinus issues, such as sinus infections, chronic sinusitis and asthma.

Symptoms

Individuals with postnasal drip may feel they need to clear their throat frequently. Also, mucus contains immune-system molecules, which can irritate the tissues and cause a sore throat, cough, and hoarseness. A person may notice postnasal drip more obviously at night, especially when lying down.

Other symptoms of postnasal drip include a sore or scratchy throat, feelings of nausea due to extra mucus in the stomach, frequently clearing the throat, excessive spitting up or swallowing mucus, bad breath and a cough that worsens at night.

Complex Symptoms

While postnasal drip is usually a minor or temporary condition, there are rare occasions when symptoms may be serious and potentially harmful.

The 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 the nose that won't heal, excessive headache or sinus pain and swelling of the throat or tongue.

Complications of Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip is among the most common causes of persistent cough, hoarseness and sore throat. Possible complications of postnasal drip include the blocking of the Eustachian tube, which joins the throat to the middle ear, leading to a painful ear infection. If the sinus passages become blocked, a postnasal drip can cause a sinus infection to develop.

Sore throat accompanied by cough is a very common complication of postnasal drip. The constant presence of mucus draining down the throat causes irritation. Difficult breathing and swallowing may follow postnasal drip. The mucus drainage and throat irritation can interfere with normal body functions, making breathing and swallowing more labored, uncomfortable or even painful.

Postnasal drip and its accompanying conditions can make sleep uncomfortable in normal positions.

Tips to Stop Postnasal Drip

A combination of preventative measures and medications can help put a stop to postnasal drip. Treatment for postnasal drip usually depends on what might be causing it. For instance, if the symptoms are caused by allergies, the first step is trying to avoid the allergens. Sleep on propped up pillows, to keep the mucus from collecting at the back of the throat.

Inhale steam as steam inhalation can ease postnasal drip by thinning mucus. The steam will also moisten the nose and throat, helping mucus pass through. You can inhale steam during a hot shower or bath. Inhale deeply and slowly. Saline nasal sprays or irrigation pots use salt water to flush out the mucus buildup. These options may help clear blocked airways and reduce overall mucus content.

Drink fluids, especially hot fluids to thin out mucus. The thinner the mucus, the easier it can pass through the nasal cavities. Drinking fluids will also moisturize the nasal lining. Hot drinks or broth are the best choice. The warmth of these beverages will thin the mucus. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, caffeinated tea, or soda. Caffeine has a diuretic effect, which may increase the risk of dehydration. Gargling saltwater will loosen up mucus. It’s also helpful for soothing a sore throat.

Avoid cigarette smoke, including secondhand smoke. Avoid alcohol, which can lead to dehydration and worsen postnasal drip. This is especially important if the postnasal drip is due to GERD, as alcohol can worsen the symptoms.

Exercise 30 minutes per day on a regular basis. Exercise loosens up mucus and makes it easier to cough up phlegm.