Category: Health News
Created: 9/18/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 9/18/2008
Specific measures would be prescribed for allergies, infections and gastroesophageal reflux.
Causes of Post Nasal Drip
If the cause of post nasal drip was an allergy, antihistamines and decongestants might be recommended. However, there are pros and cons to these remedies. Antihistamines may be sedating and make you drowsy. And decongestants may aggravate hypertension, heart and thyroid disease. In any case, the cause of the allergy would have to be avoided as much as possible.
Post nasal drip is so called because it has the sensation of a runny nose flowing backward towards the throat. This is caused by excessive mucus accumulating in the throat or the back of the nose. The cause of the excessive mucus production could be from rhinitis, sinusitis, other throat infections, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux. Among other things, chronic post nasal drip can cause halitosis or bad breath.
Some general measures may be resorted to in case no specific cause is found. General measures include nasal irrigation or a nasal spray to relieve the nose. Drinking more water would also help to thin mucus secretions.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease happens when the juncture of the esophagus and the stomach does not close properly. This causes stomach contents, including stomach acid, to flow back up the esophagus. If the reflux reaches the throat, it is called laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Common remedies for this include a change in lifestyle leading to weight loss, elevating the head of the bed while sleeping, and avoiding eating two hours before bed.
For a correct diagnosis it is necessary for a complete and detailed ear, nose, throat exam with possible laboratory endoscopic exams and x-ray. Of course, the cure is dependent on the cause of post nasal drip.
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