Postnasal drip is the feeling of a collection of discharge in the throat. It can usually be caused by infections, allergies, environmental irritants, post-exercise or problems with swallowing muscles.
The nasal and facial sinuses produce an average of 1.5 liters of secretion per day. These secretions are transferred to the nasal cavity by the movements of the cilia on the superficial tissues in the mouth, nose and throat. Thanks to these hairs, which can push 12 times per second, currents are transmitted at a speed of 2-3 mm per minute. In this way, these secretions are swallowed without being noticed.
Thanks to these secretions, the mucous membrane of our respiratory tract is moistened and cleaned. In addition, this epidemic contains antibodies against microorganisms. With these antibodies, body resistance is kept up. These glands work in a regular coordination in contact with the hormones, vessels and nerves of our body.
The cause of postnasal drip, how long it has existed, whether it occurs from time to time, whether there are other accompanying diseases, allergy history, and drug use can be clarified with additional information.
Along with the nasal discharge, the mucous structure of the nose and mouth is also a guide for treatment. If you have nasal discharge, whether your sinuses are painful or not will also change the treatment. If you have a nasal discharge that has been going on for a few days and is at a level that bothers you but does not pass, consult your doctor.
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What is abnormal nasal discharge?
- If the secretion is reduced or increased in consistency, the secretion that is not normally noticed begins to be noticed. During swallowing, there is a feeling of being stuck, constantly trying to swallow or clearing the throat.
- In allergic diseases, abundant watery or foamy nasal discharge is seen. This secretion can also flow from the nose.
- In sinusitis, a thicker, yellow-green, sometimes bloody and smelly discharge is seen that flows out of both the nasal and nasal passages.
Causes of postnasal drip
Disruption of the normal settings of the nasal discharge may also cause an increase in the amount of discharge. The conditions that can cause nasal discharge can be briefly summarized as follows:
- Dry ambient air
- Infections
- Certain systemic diseases (eg diabetes mellitus)
- Change in the structure of secretory cells due to age or reflux
- Disruption of the functions of glandular hairs
- Disruption of neural impulses controlling secretion
- Cold weather
- bright light
- Allergy
- Some foods and spices
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes (thyroid diseases)
- birth control pills
- some drugs
- Genetic disorders (immotile cilia syndrome)
- Disorders in intranasal anatomical structures
Symptoms of postnasal drip
Above normal levels, nasal discharge can reach an uncomfortable level. From time to time, the coughing reflex is triggered. The patient expresses that he wants to cough even though he is not very uncomfortable during the day. Excess discharge that is not swallowed at night accumulates in the throat and causes coughing.
This can be triggered more easily in people with an allergic body. It is questioned whether it is accompanied by headache, nasal congestion, environmental irritants and infections.
Treatment of nasal discharge
In the treatment of postnasal drip, the cause of the discharge should be questioned first. Detailed examination is done. If necessary, radiological examinations and evaluation of other branches may also be needed.
Regulating environmental conditions, avoiding air pollution, quitting smoking, humidifying the ambient air, increasing the amount of fluid taken, moisturizing the nose by squeezing physiological saline into the nose, and using antisecretory drugs for a certain period of time may be beneficial.
In case of post-nasal drip, which is thought to be due to allergic reasons, first of all, the factor causing the allergy should be avoided. Antihistamines, decongestants or, if necessary, steroid nasal sprays can also be used together.
Antihistamines are useful for reducing post-nasal secretions and reducing itching. However, it can also cause nasal congestion as it will also have a thickening effect.
Systemic decongestants should be used with caution, as they may cause exacerbation of hypertension, increased symptoms due to prostatic hypertrophy, or increased intraocular pressure. These drugs should not be used for longer than one month.
Rebound rhinitis may develop in long-term use of decongestants sprayed into the nose. They can also cause increased nasal discharge.
Steroid sprays can be used for a longer time, but if used for a long time, they may cause thinning of the nasal mucosa and sensitivity.
When nasal discharge due to sinusitis is detected, sinusitis should be treated first. While antibiotics, nasal decongestants and systemic decongestants are used in case of acute sinusitis, surgical treatment may be required in the presence of chronic sinusitis.
Proton pump inhibitors or other reflux treatments can be used in the treatment of postnasal drip caused by pharyngitis due to gastric reflux.