We’ve all had that nagging feeling—something dripping down the back of your throat, making you clear your throat or cough constantly. It’s uncomfortable, irritating, and sometimes downright embarrassing. What you’re dealing with is likely postnasal drip, a common issue that many people face.
So, what exactly is postnasal drip? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand and explore how you can address it.
What Is Postnasal Drip?
Postnasal drip occurs when mucus that’s normally produced by your sinuses drips down the back of your nose and into your throat. While mucus is essential for keeping your nose and throat moist and filtering the air we breathe, too much mucus, or mucus that's too thick, can lead to discomfort.
Several things can trigger this drip, including allergies, pollution, changes in temperature, or even certain foods. Some common culprits include:
- Rhinitis (swelling of the nasal lining): Often caused by allergies, this can lead to excessive mucus production.
- Sinusitis (sinus infection): When your sinuses get infected, the mucus produced can have a discolored or foul odor.
- Acid reflux (GERD): Stomach acid can irritate the throat, causing more mucus to form.
- Other factors: Such as cold or dry air, or even some medications.
Symptoms of Postnasal Drip
How do you know if postnasal drip is the issue? Here are some common symptoms:
- Frequent throat clearing: The thick mucus can make you feel like you constantly need to clear your throat.
- Coughing: Especially at night, as mucus accumulates while you sleep.
- Sore throat: Constant mucus drainage can irritate the throat, making it sore.
- Difficulty swallowing: The mucus can create a sensation of something stuck in your throat, causing discomfort when swallowing.
- Sleep disruptions: The need to clear your throat or cough can prevent restful sleep.
How Is Postnasal Drip Diagnosed?
If you're dealing with these symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor. They’ll start by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. If needed, they may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, like Dr. Ramie A. Tritt at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, who can examine the inside of your nose and throat with a special camera.
In some cases, further tests like allergy testing or lung examinations may be necessary, especially if you’ve been coughing a lot.
Treatment Options for Postnasal Drip
The good news is there are several ways to treat postnasal drip, depending on the cause:
- Nasal Irrigation & Medications: Flushing your nose with salt water or using medicated nasal sprays (steroid, antihistamine, or anticholinergic) can help reduce mucus production and inflammation.
- Procedures: In some cases, procedures like inferior turbinate reduction or posterior nasal nerve ablation may be suggested. These can help reduce the swelling in your nose or reduce the nerves that increase mucus production.
- Allergy Treatments: If allergies are the cause, medications or allergy shots may help alleviate symptoms.
- Managing Acid Reflux: For those with acid reflux, avoiding large meals before bed, steering clear of spicy or fatty foods, and taking antacid medications like proton pump inhibitors can make a big difference.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist?
If postnasal drip is persistent, causing trouble sleeping, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like facial pain or a fever, it's time to seek professional help. At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, we’re here to guide you toward effective treatment options to get you feeling better.
Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and his team are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions like postnasal drip, sinus issues, and allergies. Let us help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Ready to Get Relief?
If you’re struggling with postnasal drip, don’t wait—call us today to schedule a consultation at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates. We have locations in Atlanta and Cumming, GA, and we’re here to help you breathe easier.
Atlanta Location: 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 125, Atlanta, GA 30342
Cumming Location: 101 Greenfield Dr, Suite 200, Cumming, GA 30041
Appointments: 404-891-6576 (Atlanta), 404-255-2918 (Cumming)
Let’s get to the bottom of your symptoms and find the relief you deserve!
Author
Ramie A. Tritt, MD
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.
