Postnasal drip is the accumulation of mucus in the back of the throat, which can cause a feeling of congestion, a sore throat, or a cough. It is a common symptom of conditions such as the common cold, flu, allergies, sinus infection or sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinuses. Other causes of postnasal drip include:
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications
- Deviated septum
- Cold air
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Asthma
- Foreign object in the nose (usually in children)
Postnasal drip can also be caused by irritants in the air, such as fumes or dust. The excess mucus that triggers postnasal drip has many possible causes, including viral infections, allergies, and sinus infections.
Postnasal drip makes you feel like you constantly want to clear your throat. It also can trigger a cough, which often gets worse at night. Too much mucus may also make you feel hoarse and give you a sore, scratchy throat. If the mucus plugs up your Eustachian tube, which connects your throat to your middle ear, you could get a painful ear infection.
To diagnose postnasal drip, a healthcare provider may perform a physical exam of your ears, nose, and throat. They may use a special camera called an endoscope to look inside your nose. Treatment for postnasal drip depends on what’s causing it. Antibiotics can clear up a bacterial infection, but they are not usually helpful for postnasal drip caused by a viral infection. Other treatments depend on the cause of the postnasal drip. For example, avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke, drinking lots of fluids, and using a humidifier or steam inhalation can help relieve symptoms.
