What is Post Nasal Drip?
Post Nasal Drip (PND) is a common ailment for those who regularly suffer from allergies, sinus infections, or constant colds. This condition is characterized by a dripping sensation from the nasal passages. You may also have a stuffy nose, especially when you wake up in the morning. When Post Nasal Drip first strikes, you may notice a small amount of mucus in the back of the throat. This discharge can easily be wiped away with a finger or cotton bud, but some individuals find that it does not go away after they drink or eat something.
How mucus works in our body?
The mucus serves several functions in the nasal passages. Mucus performs important roles in the mucus membranes, specifically helping to fight infection and clear foreign particles out of the sinuses before they reach your lungs. Mucus also helps moisten the air you breathe through.
Symptoms:
Post nasal drip causes some serious illness.
- runny nose
- sore throat
- Congested
It can lead to an infection, sinusitis, and even a sinus infection. It usually feels like fluid is running down your throat. You may also have a stuffy nose, especially when you wake up in the morning.
What causes the Post Nasal Drip?
- The usual trigger for post nasal drip is smoking. Cigarette smoke contains many chemicals that irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause mucus to be produced. It can also cause the lower end of the esophageal sphincter to relax and become less effective in keeping material from refluxing back into your throat and mouth.
- cold temperatures.
- bending over too far or lying down after sleeping.
- being allergic to something in the air.
- Other common causes of post nasal drip include anything that blocks your airway such as thick mucus, a stuffed throat, or a deviated septum.
Best Treatment to cure Post Nasal Drip:
Treatments for Post Nasal Drip can vary, depending on the cause.
- If it is due to a virus or bacteria, the treatment may be simply washing the throat with antibacterial liquid or medication.
- If it is due to smoking or another condition, doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics or decongestants to help clear up the mucus.
There are also nasal sprays available that contain steroid or antihistamine properties to help alleviate the symptoms of post-nasal drip. For more severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery or a form of radiation therapy.
5 Best ways to cure Post Nasal Drip at home?
When you use a treatment to alleviate your Post Nasal drip, you want to make sure that you use one that is going to eliminate all excess mucus, so that no mucus is left in the throat.
There are following methods you can use are:
- To treat your post-nasal drip is through steam. You can purchase commercially made nasal irrigation devices or you can soak in a hot water bottle filled with warm water. This will help to open up your nasal passages and clear out any obstructions.
- The best way to prevent it from happening in the first place is to practice good hygiene. Always make sure you are taking care of your teeth and tongue, paying close attention to bacteria that is found on them
- Drink plenty of warm liquid so you easily thin the mucus in your throat.
- Dry fruits can also help you to clear your throat.
- Eat vitamin C contains fruit that will boost your immune system so your body will fight with foreign particles.
When to see the doctor?
If the remedies do not work for you, your doctor can prescribe you certain medications to use to combat your problem. These medications can be effective but you will need to take them on a regular basis. You should only use them when prescribed by your doctor. You should also talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about how any of these drugs are being taken.
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