Postnasal Drip

Glands in your nose and throat continually produce mucus, as much as 1-2 quarts a day. Postnasal drip occurs when that mucus feels like it’s gathering in the throat or dripping from the back of your nose. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists at The University of Kansas Health System provide a variety of options for treatment of postnasal drip. They’ll work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on the cause of your postnasal drip.

The mucus created by the glands in your nose and throat moistens and cleans the nasal lining, moistens air coming into your nose, traps and clears impurities that are inhaled and helps fight infection. You normally swallow the mucus unconsciously.

Causes of postnasal drip can include:

• Age
• Allergies
• Bacterial infections
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Medications that thicken mucus
• Vasomotor rhinitis (overly sensitive nose)

Thin, clear secretions can be caused by cold or flu, allergies, cold weather, certain foods or spices, and pregnancy or other hormonal changes. Some drugs, including birth control pills and high blood pressure medications, can also increase mucus production.

Thick mucus secretions in winter are often caused by dryness in heated spaces. They may also be caused by infections or allergies, especially to foods such as dairy products. If thin secretions become thick and turn green or yellow, it is possible that a bacterial sinus infection is developing.

Symptoms of postnasal drip may include:

• Feeling a lump in the throat
• Feeling mucus drainage in throat
• Frequent swallowing
• Frequent throat clearing
• Raspy or gurgling speech
• Sore, irritated throat

Postnasal drip often leads to a sore or 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.

In children, thick or foul-smelling secretions from a single nostril can mean that something is stuck in the nose such as a bean, wadded paper or piece of a toy. If these symptoms are observed, take the child to a physician for an examination.

Diagnosing postnasal drip may include a comprehensive ear, nose and throat exam, endoscopy (using a camera to look inside the nose and throat) or X-rays. Postnasal drip can be difficult to resolve, and treatment varies according to the cause.

If postnasal drip is caused by a bacterial infection, it may be treated with antibiotics, nasal spray, decongestants and nasal saline irrigations. For chronic sinusitis, surgery to open the blocked sinuses may be required.

Postnasal drip caused by allergies can best be managed by avoiding the causes of your allergies. Antihistamines, decongestants, steroid nasal sprays or oral steroids may offer relief. Some older, sedating antihistamines may dry and thicken post-nasal secretions more; newer nondrowsy antihistamines do not have this effect. Allergy shots or drops under the tongue may help. Talk to your doctor before starting any of these medications.

Treatment of postnasal drip caused by gastroesophageal reflux may include elevating the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches, avoiding food and drink at least 3 hours before bedtime, weight loss and eliminating alcohol and caffeine from the diet. Over-the-counter antacids may offer some relief. If reflux does not improve, see your primary care physician or an ear, nose and throat specialist.