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 that include:
- 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. If you've noticed any of the above symptoms, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Beach Cities ENTS in Torrance or El Segundo, CA to learn if you're living with post-nasal drip and what can be done about it.
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.
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Post-Nasal Drip Treatment FAQs
Why isn’t my post-nasal drip getting better with allergy medicine?
Post-nasal drip can have several causes, so allergy medication may not help when allergies are not responsible for the drainage. Chronic sinus inflammation, infections, structural nasal problems, certain medications, and reflux can all contribute to persistent symptoms. An ENT evaluation can help identify the underlying cause so treatment can be directed at the source rather than the drainage alone.
Can a nasal spray help with post-nasal drip?
Nasal sprays can help some cases of post-nasal drip, but the appropriate type depends on what is causing the symptoms. Saline sprays or rinses may help thin and clear mucus, while certain medicated nasal sprays may be recommended for allergies or inflammation. Our team can determine which approach is appropriate based on the cause and severity of your symptoms.
When should I see an ENT for post-nasal drip?
It may be time to see an ENT when post-nasal drip persists despite home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, frequently returns, or is accompanied by other ongoing nasal or sinus symptoms. Our ENTs can evaluate for underlying issues such as chronic sinusitis, allergies, nasal obstruction, or reflux. Identifying the cause can help determine which treatment is most likely to provide lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an ENT figure out what's causing my post-nasal drip?
Your physician will take a detailed history — when it started, what makes it worse, whether you have allergies, sinus infections, or reflux — and examine your nasal passages and throat directly. In some cases, we may recommend allergy testing, imaging of the sinuses, or a nasal endoscopy to get a clear picture of the underlying cause before recommending treatment.
Are there non-surgical treatments for chronic post-nasal drip?
Yes — the majority of post-nasal drip cases are treated without surgery. Depending on the cause, treatment may include nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, saline irrigation, acid reflux management, or allergen immunotherapy. Surgery is only considered when a structural issue — such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps — is identified as a contributing factor and conservative treatments haven't been sufficient.
How do I know if my post-nasal drip is from allergies or something structural?
Allergy-related post-nasal drip typically worsens seasonally or with specific triggers (dust, pets, mold) and often improves with antihistamines. Structural causes — like a deviated septum or nasal polyps — produce more constant symptoms regardless of season. An ENT examination and, in some cases, allergy testing can distinguish between the two.
Can post-nasal drip cause a chronic cough or sore throat?
Yes. Mucus dripping down the back of the throat is one of the most common causes of a persistent cough, and can also cause a sore, scratchy throat — especially in the morning. If you have a chronic cough that hasn't responded to cough medications, an ENT evaluation is worth scheduling to determine whether post-nasal drip or reflux is the root cause.
Is an ENT visit for post-nasal drip covered by insurance?
Yes. A specialist visit for chronic post-nasal drip is generally covered as a medically necessary evaluation under most insurance plans, subject to your copay or deductible. We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your coverage when you call to schedule.
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 spray 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.
It all starts with a diagnosis at one of our practice locations in Torrance or El Segundo, CA. Call Beach Cities ENTS or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment for post-nasal drip.