Post-nasal drip
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Post-nasal drip | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
| ICD-9 | 784.91 |
| eMedicine | ent/338 |
Post-nasal drip (PND) occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the sinuses. The excess mucus accumulates in the throat or back of the nose. It can be caused by rhinitis (allergic or non-allergic), sinusitis (acute or chronic), laryngopharyngeal acid reflux (with or without heartburn), or by a disorder of swallowing (such as an esophageal motility disorder). It is frequently caused by allergies, which may be seasonal or persistent through the year, depending on the allergen(s) involved. Birth control pills or pregnancy can also cause post-nasal drip because of the elevated levels of estrogen hormones.
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[edit] Associated conditions
PND may be, in some cases, a contributing cause for halitosis - bad breath arising from the posterior tongue dorsum. [1] When persistent or recurrent halitosis accompanies PND the possibility of chronic sinusitis should be investigated.
[edit] Symptoms
An individual may be diagnosed as suffering from post-nasal drip if they suffer from the following symptoms.
- Swallowing constantly
- Spitting (mucus) constantly
- Tickling in the throat
- Constant clearing of throat
- Broken or cracking voice
- Mucus feeling in the back of the throat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Congestion in the nasal and sinus passages
- Chronic sore throat
- Crystals found in the tonsils that are generally yellow or white (commonly called tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths)
- Bad breath
- Snorting to clear mucus from the sinuses that cannot otherwise be cleared by blowing ones nose
- Coughing
- Feeling nauseated due to accumulation of mucus in stomach
- Vomiting due to excessive mucus in stomach
- Cobblestone appearance of the oropharyngeal mucosa [2] This is always due to allergy
[edit] Treatment
A person seeking treatment for post-nasal drip should see an allergist, a gastroenterologist, or an otolaryngologist (ENT). If symptoms are mild or for advice on which specialist to see, consult your family physician, general internist, pediatrician, or General Practitioner first.
Treatment may include antibiotics, nasal irrigation, acid control medication, allergy medication, and/or minor surgery.
Some people use bulb syringes, squirt bottles, or neti pots for nasal irrigation.
Allergy medications include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, nasal crolom, or combinations of these. Reduced contact with allergens is important when possible. Allergy injections may be used for long term relief when allergy is the cause. Oral steroids may be prescribed for short-term usage, but repeated or extended use may cause serious harmful side effects.[citation needed]
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Rosenberg M (1996). "Clinical assessment of bad breath: current concepts". Journal of the American Dental Association (1939) 127 (4): 475–82. PMID 8655868.
- ^ "Chronic Cough RG". http://www.mamc.amedd.army.mil/Referral/chroncough.htm. Retrieved 2007-11-02.
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