Post Nasal Drip

Post nasal drip is an accumulation and/or a dripping sensation of mucus down the back of the throat as a result of excess mucus production or a thickening of the mucus. It is normal for the body to dispose of the mucus secretion in this manner. That is, to swallow the mucus down the back of the throat and into the stomach. Normally, we are not aware that we are swallowing it.

With an over-production of mucus or a thickening of it, we become aware of its presence and begin to feel it. Having bad breath lets you know that the bacteria in the mucus have started to grow and multiply. The irritation that the mucus causes at the back of your throat gives you the feeling of wanting to clear your throat or coughing.

Post nasal drip is the feeling of the mucus draining at the back or your nose and going down your throat. How the sensation feels depends on the amount, and whether it is thick or thin. An over-production of thin mucus can be caused by colds, flu's, allergies, and cold temperatures. Thick mucus can be a result of infection, some allergies, and dry air (no humidity).

What is Mucus?

Glands in our nose, sinuses, and throat produce a secretion called mucus. Under normal circumstances, the body can make one to two quarts per day. The purpose for the body to produce the mucus secretion is:

• to give moisture to the air we breath
• to give moisture to the nose and throat
• to collect particles out of the air that we breath in to prevent them from entering into the lungs
• to prevent harmful particles or irritants from entering into our bodies
• to aid in the fight against infection

The mucus holds on to the particles and irritants that it collects and carries them along with it to the stomach for elimination. Bacteria and viruses that the mucus collects and carries with it to the stomach get destroyed by the acid in the stomach. The movement of the mucus is accomplished by the cilia. The cilia are tiny hair-like membranes that move back and forth giving movement to the mucus.

In post nasal drip, the function of the cilia is not working properly, resulting in an accumulation of mucus that the person starts to feel. Swelling, thick mucus, and excess mucus can impair the proper functioning of the cilia. Addressing the cause that is impairing the cilia movement will help correct post nasal drip.

The Cause

Nasal irritants are the most common causes of post nasal drip. Mucus production is design to stop foreign particles from entering into our bodies. It is also design to catch what particles have already entered.

Some inhaled irritants may cause an allergic reaction such as pollen, dust mite debris, and pet dander. The release of histamine causes swelling and mucus production, which will quickly stop the movement of the cilia. Both allergic rhinitis and sinusitis can cause post nasal drip.

Some inhaled particles may cause the flu, colds, or infection. Increase mucus production results as the body tries to fight the foreign invader. The mucus will thicken making it harder for the cilia to move it. The obstruction causes more mucus production resulting in more congestion.

A deviated septum and polyps can be a physical barrier to the flow of mucus. Dry air and cold air can increase the production of mucus as the body tries to warm and moisturize the air before reaching the lungs.

Anything that causes the mucus membranes to produce more mucus can be a factor. Anything causing swelling of the tissues will impair the function of the cilia resulting in PND. Anything causing the disruption of the mucus glands or cilia movement has the potential to contribute to post nasal drip.

Post Nasal Drip Symptoms

If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you could be suffering from post nasal drip.

• feeling mucus at the back of the throat
• itching, tingling, or sore throat
• always having to clear your throat
• being able to feel the mucus at the top of the throat when you swallow
• constantly feeling like you have to swallow to clear your throat
• bad breath
• coughing
• nasal congestion
• a runny nose with thin, clear mucus
• sinus congestion
• coughing and feeling like you cleared your throat and then having something to swallow
• a feeling that something is dripping in the back of your throat
• a feeling that something is accumulating at the back of your throat
• a feeling that you have to cough to clear your throat
• being aware of your swallowing because it is a harder swallow
• nausea can be caused by too much mucus in the stomach

Treatment

Post nasal drip treatment will depend largely on what the cause is. The goal of treatment is to have a reduction in mucus production and restoring the normal function of the cilia.

Treatment for allergic post nasal drip will address the inflammation of the mucus membrane. By treating the cause of the allergic response, the feeling of the mucus at the back of your throat will go away as the allergic symptoms subside.

Diagnosing and treating PND should be only done by your health care professional. Depending on if the cause is your sinuses, nasal passages, or an allergic response, your doctor can prescribe the correct medication. Antibiotics can be prescribed if a bacterial infection is involved. Nasal steroids may be prescribed to address the inflammation of the mucus membrane and will help decrease the amount of phlegm. Decongestants are useful if a cold or virus is involved.

Be sure to discuss with your doctor all the over-the-counter medication that you are taking. Decongestants, for example, should not be taken longer than 3-5 days or congestion may return when you stop using the spray.

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