Post Nasal Drip

What is post-nasal drip?

You have glands in your nose and sinuses that produce mucus and fluids that keep your nasal passages moist, clean out dust and other irritants, and fight infection. 

When you’re fighting an infection, these glands become more productive to protect you, which results in an excessive volume of mucus. 

Post-nasal drip occurs when the extra mucus builds up at the back of your nose and drips down your throat. It causes symptoms, including:

  • Feeling like you need to clear your throat frequently

  • Coughing that is worse at night

  • Nausea from the build-up of mucus in your stomach

  • Sore throat

  • Bad breath

Post-nasal drip can keep you up at night with coughing. Your symptoms may seem worse in the morning as you’re more likely to have been breathing through your mouth while you slept. 

What causes post-nasal drip?

Allergies are one of the most common causes of post-nasal drip. However, a wide range of factors can cause post-nasal drip, including:

  • Viral or bacterial infections

  • Sinusitis

  • Changes in the weather

  • Cold temperatures

  • Dry air

  • Certain medicines including some birth control and blood pressure drugs

If you’re troubled by post-nasal drip, contact Beach Cities ENTS for diagnosis and treatment. 

How is the cause of post-nasal drip diagnosed?

The team at Beach Cities ENTS provides exams and tests to identify the cause of your post-nasal drip. For example, they can test for allergies, bacterial infections, and viral infections. 

They may also look into your throat or nose, or use an endoscope, to look for abnormalities like a deviated septum that could contribute to your symptoms.

How is post-nasal drip treated?

The team at Beach Cities ENTS provides customized treatments to correct the condition causing your post-nasal drip. 

They can help you manage your allergies and treat sinus infections and other illnesses. They may prescribe a nasal sprays to clean your nasal cavities and to reduce inflammation or mucus secretion. 

If you have a structural abnormality, your doctor may recommend surgery to open your sinuses or repair a deviated septum. They use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. 

Call Beach Cities ENTS or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment for post-nasal drip.