Post-Nasal Drip in Tarzana
Post-Nasal Drip
Your glands produce about 1-2 quarts of mucus a day. This mucus helps to clean and lubricate the nasal membranes, trap foreign particles in the air you breathe, and moisten the air on its way to the lungs. Some of the mucus gets swallowed unconsciously. Excessive build-up of mucus is known as post-nasal drip.
Some of the common symptoms of post-nasal drip include:
- Sore, scratchy throat
- A bad cough that gets worse at night
- The need to constantly clear your throat or swallow
- Bad breath
- Nausea - due to excess mucus in your stomach
Causes of post-nasal drip
These unusual secretions can be caused by various factors, including:
- Medications (e.g. birth control pills), structural abnormalities (irregular nasal septum or deviated septum), spicy foods, cold temperatures, allergies, colds and flus, and other factors that increase thin clear secretions
- Dry air in heated homes/buildings in the winter can cause thick secretions
Treatments for post-nasal drip
You can try home-based and over-the-counter treatments to manage post-nasal drip, such as:
- OTC decongestants
- Saline nasal sprays
- Non-Drowsy antihistamines
- Adequate hydration
- Keeping your head slightly elevated when sleeping
If there are no improvements in 10 days, or if you have new symptoms like fever, wheezing, colored or bloody mucus with a pungent smell, then you should visit an ENT specialist for professional help.
These symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection, so Dr, Cohen might prescribe some antibiotics. Nevertheless, you should book an appointment for diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
