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Post-Nasal Drip
Medical Questions » Post-Nasal Drip
| Name: Post-Nasal Drip |
| Also known as: Gattarh; PND |
| The inside of the nose and sinuses is lined with a moist (mucus) membrane. If inflamed, the glands in the mucus membrane swell up and secrete extra amounts of mucus that overflows the sinus cavities, and runs down the back of the throat. |
Causes of Post-Nasal Drip
Infections with bacteria (eg. sinusitis) or a virus (eg. the common cold or flu), allergies (eg. hay fever, cigarette smoke), temperature changes (vasomotor rhinitis), hormone changes (more mucus may be produced at certain times in a woman' s monthly cycle), anxiety and stress (eg. an exam or interview), eating, drinking alcohol and changes in position (eg. getting out of bed may start a sneezing fit). |
Symptoms of Post-Nasal Drip
Episodes of sneezing, irritated throat, recurrent cough, bad breath, blocked nose and nausea (from swallowed mucus). |
Tests for Post-Nasal Drip
Examination of the nose with a special instrument, and X-rays or CT scans of the sinuses may be useful. |
Treatment for Post-Nasal Drip
Bacterial infections cured by antibiotics. Antihistamines shrink down the swollen mucus membranes and reduce the production of mucus, mucolytics liquefy the phlegm, decongestants in tablets and nasal sprays clear the airways, and steroid or anti-allergy nasal sprays prevent the nose from reacting excessively. The minority who continue to have long term symptoms may be helped by surgery to reduce the amount of mucus membrane in the nose, and removing some curled up bones inside the nose (turbinates) that are covered with mucus membrane.
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Complications of Post-Nasal Drip of its treatment
Secondary bacterial infections may cause sinusitis or pharyngitis. Flying or changing altitude can force phlegm up the Eustachian tubes into the middle ears to cause pain and infection. |
Likely Outcome of Post-Nasal Drip
Usually settles spontaneously, but sometimes persistent. Control reasonable. |
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