Post nasal drip

Ear Nose | Otorhinolaryngology | Post nasal drip (Disease)


Description

Postnasal drip develops when too much mucus collects at the back of the nose or in the throat. It usually creates the sensation of a “tickle” or itch in the throat that won’t go away. The mucus can be clear and watery or thick with a green, yellow, or white color.

Causes and Risk factors

Postnasal drip is not life threatening and usually resolves on its own. However, if the symptom lasts more than a few weeks, and if it is accompanied by foul-smelling discharge, fever, or difficulty breathing, a doctor should be contacted to identify the cause. First and foremost, as the causes are manifold, a removal of those causes should be targeted.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment may include antibiotics, decongestants, nasal irrigation, sinus massage, acid control medication, allergy medication, and/or minor surgery. Bulb syringes, squirt bottles, pulsatile nasal irrigators or neti pots are often used for nasal irrigation.

Allergy medications include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids alone or in combination. Allergy injections may be used for long term relief when allergy is the cause. Oral steroids may be prescribed for short-term use in some situations. ...