Post-nasal drip
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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, sinusitis, or laryngopharyngeal acid reflux. It can be enhanced or sometimes even caused by allergies, whether in spring, fall or early summer.
Terminology
The term PND is considered obsolete by some sources and is now referred to as "Chronic Upper Airway Cough Syndrome".[1] However, the term "Post-nasal drip" still used in modern medical literature[2][3], though some do not consider the term to be well-defined.[4]
Associated conditions
PND may be, in some cases, a contributing cause for halitosis - bad breath arising from the posterior tongue dorsum.[5]
Symptoms
An individual may be diagnosed as suffering from Post-nasal Drip if they suffer from the following symptoms.
- Swallowing constantly
- Tickling in the throat
- Congestion in the nasal and sinus passages
- Chronic sore throat
- Crystals found in the tonsils that are generally yellow or white
- Bad breath
- Coughing
- Feeling nauscious due to accumulation of mucous in stomach
Treatment
A person seeking treatment for post-nasal drip should see an otolaryngologist or family physician. For minor relief, drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, can help.
Treatment may include antibiotics, nasal irrigation, or minor surgery. Recently the introduction of pulsatile irrigators specifically for sinus irrigation have been reported best for nasal irrigation [6]
Other treatments, for the allergy aspect of the disorder, include the usage of antihistamines and/or decongestants to treat the most common effects. Steroids may also be prescribed for short-term usage, as extended use may cause harmful side effects.
External links
References
- ^ Pratter MR (2006). "Chronic upper airway cough syndrome secondary to rhinosinus diseases (previously referred to as postnasal drip syndrome): ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines". Chest. 129 (1 Suppl): 63S–71S. doi:10.1378/chest.129.1_suppl.63S. PMID 16428694.
- ^ Chao TK, Liu CM, Huang WH (2007). "Significance of blood-tinged post-nasal drip in paranasal sinus disease": 1–4. doi:10.1017/S0022215107000394. PMID 17888198.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ O'Hara J, Jones NS (2006). ""Post-nasal drip syndrome": most patients with purulent nasal secretions do not complain of chronic cough". Rhinology. 44 (4): 270–3. PMID 17216744.
- ^ Morice AH (2004). "Post-nasal drip syndrome--a symptom to be sniffed at?". Pulmonary pharmacology & therapeutics. 17 (6): 343–5. doi:10.1016/j.pupt.2004.09.005. PMID 15564073.
- ^ Rosenberg M (1996). "Clinical assessment of bad breath: current concepts". Journal of the American Dental Association (1939). 127 (4): 475–82. PMID 8655868.
- ^ Health Solutions Web site specializing on Pulsatile Irrigation
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