What is Post-Nasal Drip?

What is Post-Nasal Drip?

Post-nasal drip affects almost everybody at some point in their lives. The glands in your throat and nose continually produce mucus to filter out foreign matter, moisten nasal membranes, and fight infection. Post-nasal drip can have numerous causes. Post-nasal drop is treatable by medical professionals. West Coast ENT Head and Neck Surgery (offices in Thousand Oaks, CA, Simi Valley, CA, Oxnard, CA, and Camarillo, CA) offers treatments for ear, nose and throat problems. Read on to learn more about post-nasal drip.

What is postnasal drip?

Post-nasal drip occurs when excess mucus is produced by the nasal mucosa. When your body starts producing excess mucus, you may feel in the back of your throat. You might also feel mucus dripping down your throat. This is called postnasal drip. Other common symptoms of postnasal drip include a cough that’s worse at night, sore, scratchy throat, feeling that you need to constantly swallow or clear your throat, and bad breath.

What causes post-nasal drip?

Some common causes of post-nasal drip include dry air, cold temperatures, hormonal changes, chemical irritants, pregnancy, and certain foods. Additionally, a number of conditions can cause post-nasal drip, Allergies are a common cause of post-nasal drip. Another common cause of post-nasal drip is a deviated septum, which means that the thin wall of cartilage between your nostrils leans to one side or is displaced. Other causes of post-nasal drip include viral infections and sinus infections.

How can I prevent post-nasal drip?

You can prevent postnasal drip by reducing your exposure to allergens. Keep your house as clean as possible. Change air filters on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system regularly. Take allergy medication every day or get regular allergy shots. Shower or bathe before bed whenever you’ve spent a lot of time outside if you’re allergic to pollen. Use pillow and mattress covers to protect against dust mites.

Do I need to see an ENT doctor?

Make an appointment with an ENT doctor if your symptoms have persisted through home treatments for more than 10 days. There are some symptoms that could indicate it’s time to see an ENT doctor. These include fever, wheezing, or mucus with a strong odor. These may be symptoms of a bacterial infection, which requires antibiotics. If you have a deviated septum, surgery may be the only way to permanently treat post-nasal drip. This surgery (called a septoplasty) straightens and tightens the nasal septum.

If you need treatment for post-nasal drip, call West Coast ENT Head and Neck Surgery right now to schedule an appointment with one of our ENT specialists in Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, or Simi Valley. You will experience exemplary service and state-of-the-art care at West Coast ENT Head and Neck Surgery!

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