Post-nasal drip can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including a persistent cough and foul-tasting mucus. Board-certified otolaryngologist Richard L. Nass, M.D., F.A.C.S., has more than 40 years of experience treating post-nasal drip at his offices in Midtown East, Manhattan, and East Hampton, New York. Dr. Nass and his team can uncover the root cause of your post-nasal drip to relieve your discomfort. To learn more, call Richard L. Nass, M.D., or schedule an appointment online today.
Post-nasal drip refers to a buildup of mucus that runs down the back of your throat. Normally, mucus is thin enough to mix in with your saliva, so you don’t notice it. However, if your mucus thickens, or your sinuses produce too much, it can be difficult to drain. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, such as congestion or difficulty clearing your throat.
If you have post-nasal drip, you can typically feel mucus draining down the back of your throat. This happens because the mucus is thicker and more collected than it should be. When this happens, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Post-nasal drip typically accompanies a runny nose, which may also irritate your nasal passages and lead to itching or sneezing.
A number of health conditions and illnesses can cause post-nasal drip, including:
The septum is the piece of cartilage that runs down the center of your nostrils. If the septum deviates, or shifts to one side, one of your nasal passages can narrow, making it difficult to drain mucus properly.
The sinuses are hollow cavities in your skull that contain mucus-producing membranes. When the sinuses become congested or inflamed, they can lead to post-nasal drip.
Allergies are one of the most common causes of post-nasal drip. One of the primary functions of mucus is to rid your body of pollutants, irritants, and other potentially harmful small particles. When you have allergies, your body produces extra mucus to protect yourself against the allergen. This can result in post-nasal drip.
After a comprehensive exam and review of your medical history, Dr. Nass can determine the root cause of your post-nasal drip. In most cases, medication for allergies, nasal spray, or a neti pot — a device that irrigates the nasal passages to remove blockages — can relieve the symptoms of post-nasal drip.
However, if your symptoms stem from sinus problems or a deviated septum, you may require surgery to correct the issue. A balloon sinuplasty is a common procedure in which Dr. Nass inserts a deflated balloon into your sinuses through the nostrils. Once inserted, he inflates the balloon and clears out the sinuses with a saline solution to relieve post-nasal drip.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of post-nasal drip, don’t hesitate to call Richard L. Nass, M.D., or schedule an appointment online now.
