Post Nasal Drip is caused when mucous becomes congested in the sinuses, which drain down the back of your throat. The key symptom of post nasal drip (PND) is the feeling that liquid is trickling down the back of your nose, however other symptoms may include a sore throat, hoarseness, coughing, or a stuffy nose. Mucous becomes infected and forms an impediment to drainage by slowing the flow of mucous. As well as causing pain and irritation, PND can also result in sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) and toothache.
It’s very important to recognize the symptoms so you can get treatment immediately if you experience them. PND is caused by allergic reactions, although not everyone who has allergies experiences it. It is more common amongst those with allergies to dust, pollen, cat dander, and mold. Allergies to plants, food, and animals are also common causes of Nasal Drip Covid. Many people are surprised to find out that dairy products, eggs, wheat and gluten are common causes of PND. These food allergens not only cause post nasal drip, they can also be symptoms of a cold or the common cold.
The reason PND is often confused with chronic rhinitis is because many of the symptoms can be the same. Cold and fever are the most common reasons for post-nasal drip, while sinusitis and allergies are also common causes of chronic rhinitis. Chronic rhinitis is also frequently associated with the common cold.
Other common symptoms of PND include headaches, fever, a stuffy nose, and nasal congestion. When the flow of mucous is blocked, mucus can collect in the throat and can cause difficulty in breathing. Because the throat is full of air, the blockage of mucous causes a painful sensation in the throat. As the blockage worsens, symptoms of an infection can occur. These include a feeling of pain and pressure over the head, difficulty swallowing, and swollen glands in the neck, face, and throat.
Some people experience no symptoms at all. Others will experience mild to moderate symptoms after coming into contact with the offending allergen. This is why it is important to stay as far away from the allergen as possible. Dr. Furterer says, “The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to simply eliminate the allergen.” This is true of all types of allergens, including pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander.
Once the offending substance has been identified, Dr. Furterer recommends treating the source before moving on to treat the symptoms. He explains that there are four potential causes for the typical reflux symptoms. These are the underlying cause, the irritant, the stomach acid, and the anti-reflux drug. Only one of these causes needs to be addressed for optimal treatment.
If the doctor finds that the symptoms are due to an underlying cause, such as acid reflux or H. pylori infection, he may recommend nasal endoscopy. In the past, this procedure involved making small incisions inside the mouth. However, more recent procedures have made nasal endoscopy safer and easier, with only small incisions required. Because this minimally invasive procedure is quick and easy, many doctors are now using it for post nasal drip treatments instead of small incisions. The procedure involves removing a small amount of the lining of the throat to see the structures located deep within.
Many people who suffer from postnasal drip also report stomach pains and headaches, which can seem like the symptoms of a different ailment. In some cases, the patient may even feel like they have food stuck in their throats. In addition, some people find that they experience pain when swallowing food or trying to breathe normally. If you have any of these symptoms after taking your medication, Dr. Furterer may recommend stomach or duodenal switch tests. These tests, which use a special type of x-ray, can identify if there are ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, which can indicate the presence of a more serious infection.
