If you are experiencing post nasal drip, it is recommended that you see a doctor if any of the following symptoms persist for more than a few days: coughing, sore throat, intense headaches, thick mucus, wheezing, chest congestion, hoarseness, loss of smell or taste, bad breath, ear pain or pressure, or sinus pressure.
It is important to rule out other conditions such as allergies, a sinus infection, or an underlying condition that could be causing the post nasal drip. Additionally, if you are seeing yellow or green thick mucus, blood in the mucus, or if you have a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is also important to see a doctor.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they are not resolving after a few days, it is recommended that you see your doctor for further investigation.
How long is too long for post-nasal drip?
Post-nasal drip is a condition that happens when excess mucus accumulates in the nasal and throat areas. It is a natural and healthy process, as mucus helps to keep the nasal and throat cavities clean and provide protection from pathogens.
However, when mucus accumulates in excess, it can cause discomfort and irritation. It is generally recommended to seek medical attention if post-nasal drip lasts more than seven days and is accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, a sore throat, or difficulty swallowing.
In such cases, an underlying infection or another health issue might be the cause and necessitate evaluation by a doctor. It is also important to note that antibiotics can make post-nasal drip worse, so they should not be used to treat this condition unless they are prescribed by a doctor.
What do I do if my post nasal drip won’t go away?
If your post nasal drip will not go away, it is important to identify the underlying cause that is leading to this symptom. Common causes of post nasal drip include sinus infections, allergies, medications, bacteria, viruses, and pollutants in the environment.
Some steps you may take to determine the cause of your post nasal drip include visiting your doctor for a physical exam and/or allergy testing, undergoing a sinus imaging test, and following a trial elimination diet to identify food allergies.
Depending on the cause of your post nasal drip, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, medications, or further medical tests. For example, if environmental factors are causing your post nasal drip, your doctor may advise you to avoid the triggers or to take antihistamines.
If an infection is causing your post nasal drip, you may be prescribed antibiotics or steroid medications. Your doctor may also suggest allergy shots, sinus washouts, or nasal irrigation with a saline solution to help manage the symptom.
You should also make sure to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and keep your nasal passages clear by using a nasal saline spray, steam inhalation, or menthol rubs. If your post nasal drip persists after taking these steps, you should consult your doctor for further evaluation.
Why have I had post nasal drip for so long?
Post nasal drip is a common symptom of a few different health issues, so it is difficult to pinpoint why you have been dealing with post nasal drip for so long without knowing more about the cause. Common causes for post nasal drip can include allergies, sinus infections, colds and the flu, hormonal changes, and even certain medications.
Another cause may be due to non-allergic rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nose and sinuses that isn’t caused by an allergy but from environmental factors such as changes in temperature, humidity, or pollutants.
It is important to consult your doctor to figure out the cause of your long-standing post nasal drip. They may suggest that you try different lifestyle changes such as using a humidifier in your home, avoiding cigarette smoke, and limiting exposure to other allergens.
Your doctor may also suggest taking medication to manage the symptoms. Some of these medications may include antihistamines and decongestants, nasal sprays, and corticosteroids.
Consulting your doctor is the best way to determine why you have been experiencing post nasal drip for such a long period of time. With some lifestyle changes and medications, you may be able to find relief and get back to feeling normal.
Can Flonase help with post nasal drip?
Yes, Flonase (Fluticasone) can help with post nasal drip. Post nasal drip is a condition that occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat. Flonase is a nasal steroid spray that has been proven to reduce nasal and sinus symptoms, including post nasal drip.
It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which helps to thin mucus, decreasing congestion and improving airway flow. Along with Flonase, there are other ways to help relieve symptoms of post nasal drip.
These include avoiding things that trigger allergies, increasing humidity in your home (using a humidifier), drinking lots of fluids, and using a neti pot to rinse the sinuses. Additionally, a doctor may recommend additional treatments to help with post-nasal drip such as decongestants, antibiotics, or antihistamines.
What is prescribed for post nasal drip?
Post nasal drip is a common condition that usually occurs when the mucous membranes in the nose and throat produce too much mucus, which drips down the back of the throat. The most common cause of post nasal drip is allergies, though it can also be caused by colds, sinusitis, and other conditions.
The best way to treat post nasal drip depends on the underlying cause. Typically, medications to treat allergies, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays, are the first line of treatment.
If the condition is caused by a bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be used. Additionally, nasal irrigation with a neti pot can help flush away irritants and allergens from the nasal passages and help reduce inflammation.
For those with persistent symptoms, a doctor may recommend steroid nasal sprays, or a doctor may even order immunotherapy or allergy shots to help reduce allergies. Finally, lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking, keeping the air in the living area moist, and avoiding exposure to allergens can help reduce symptoms.
Does Flonase drip down throat?
No, Flonase does not drip down your throat when taken correctly. When you spray it into your nose, the medication is directed towards the back of your nose and stays there. While it is possible to feel some of the medication trickle down your throat, this should not occur if the directions for administration are followed correctly.
It is important to remember to keep your head in an upright position when taking Flonase and not to tilt your head back. This ensures that the medication is properly directed toward your nasal cavities and not into your throat.
Additionally, do not blow your nose right after using Flonase as this may cause the medication to run down your throat.
How long does steroid nasal spray take to work for post nasal drip?
The effects of steroid nasal spray can vary from individual to individual and the amount of time it takes to work depends on the severity of the post nasal drip symptoms. Generally, a person should start to notice an improvement in the symptoms of post nasal drip within several days of using a steroid nasal spray.
The effects of the medication can take several weeks to become apparent in some cases. Therefore, it is important to continue using the steroid nasal spray consistently and as recommended by your doctor in order to avoid relapse.
In order to reduce the symptoms of post nasal drip, the steroid nasal spray needs to be used every day for several weeks. It may also be necessary to take a course of antibiotics to get rid of any infection in the sinuses and/or throat that could be causing the post nasal drip.
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication to treat post nasal drip. They can provide additional advice and information on how to use the medication safely and effectively to reduce the symptoms of post nasal drip.
What happens if post-nasal drip is left untreated?
If post-nasal drip is left untreated, it can lead to more serious and chronic health conditions. Post-nasal drip often occurs due to allergies, colds, and other infections, and if it persists it can lead to inflammation of the sinuses, walls of the nose, and throat.
This inflammation can then cause pressure on the sinuses and sinus-related infections known as sinusitis. Sinusitis can lead to sinus headaches, an accumulation of fluid in the sinuses, and even a fever.
Chronic cases of sinusitis can cause drainage in the back of the throat and nasal cavities, as well as permanent damage to the nasal passages. Post-nasal drip can also increase the risk of developing asthma or bronchitis, as the accumulation of mucus can cause airway blockage, leading to further inflammation and obstruction of the airways.
Treatment for post-nasal drip is typically aimed at the underlying cause, such as allergies or upper respiratory infections. Many over-the-counter medications are available to treat post-nasal drip and its symptoms, including antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids.
If the underlying cause cannot be found or the treatment for post-nasal drip is not successful, physicians may prescribe antibiotics to clear up any related bacterial infections. In certain cases, surgery may be necessary to remove any blockages and improve drainage.
If post-nasal drip is left untreated, the condition can worsen and have serious health implications.
When is post-nasal drip serious?
Post-nasal drip is usually not serious, but sometimes it can be indicative of an underlying health problem. If the post-nasal drip is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chills, sore throat, or difficulty breathing, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Regularly experiencing post-nasal drip that is also accompanied by severe or persistent coughing, sinus pressure, facial pain, a worsening sense of taste or smell, worsening headaches, thick nasal discharge with a bad odor, or other changes in your throat or mouth can indicate a more serious condition and warrant a trip to the doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Conditions such as asthma, allergies, sinusitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, or a bacterial or viral infection may be contributing to the issue.
Can postnasal drip cause damage?
Postnasal drip (PND) is a condition where excess mucus accumulates in the throat and drips down the back of the throat, causing discomfort and a feeling of congestion. While PND itself does not cause damage, it can be indicative of underlying conditions that can lead to more serious health issues.
Allergic rhinitis, sinus infections, and acid reflux are just a few of the underlying conditions that can cause PND, and can all lead to more severe health problems if left untreated.
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is caused by an excessive response of the immune system to airborne particles. It can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny and congested nose, and watery, itchy eyes.
If not treated, this condition can lead to asthma, bronchitis, and even in some cases, sinus infections.
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, occur when germs such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi affect the mucous membranes in the sinus cavities, leading to inflammation and pain. Sinusitis can be quite dangerous, as it can lead to ear infections, meningitis, and other serious health complications.
Finally, the acid reflux condition, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), is caused by stomach acid backing into the esophagus. The occurrence of this can lead to damage of the esophagus, throat, and even the lungs.
So while PND does not cause damage directly, it is important to be aware of the potential underlying conditions that can cause it, and seek medical advice or treatment if needed, in order to avoid any potential damage in the future.
Is post-nasal drip always normal?
No, post-nasal drip is not always normal. Post-nasal drip occurs when mucus accumulates in the back of your nose and throat, causing a sensation of thick, sticky fluid draining down the back of your throat.
While post-nasal drip is common, it is not always normal. Some of the more common underlying causes of post-nasal drip include allergies, sinus infections, viral infections, environmental irritants, and certain medications.
Since post-nasal drip is often a symptom of an underlying medical condition, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Does post-nasal drip mean you’re sick?
No, post-nasal drip does not necessarily mean that you are sick. It is a condition where mucus from your sinuses drips down the back of your throat. This can be caused by allergies, sore throat, asthma, and other respiratory infections, among other things.
Although it’s common for people with a cold or other viral infection to experience post-nasal drip, it’s not always a sign of illness. Dry climates, weather changes, smoke, perfumes, and other airborne irritants can also cause post-nasal drip.
Treatments vary depending on the cause, but most people find relief through over-the-counter medications and by drinking lots of fluids, taking steamy showers, and using saline nasal spray. If your symptoms persist, you may need to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Can a doctor do anything for post nasal drip?
Yes, a doctor can help with post nasal drip. Depending on the cause of the post nasal drip, a doctor may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation or treat an infection, recommend lifestyle changes or suggest home remedies that may help to reduce symptoms.
They may also refer you to a specialist such as an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor or an allergist if necessary. Additionally, a doctor can perform diagnostic tests to help identify the cause of post nasal drip to help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
In most cases, treatment for post nasal drip is aimed at reducing the amount of mucus and helping it to drain more easily. This can be accomplished through nasal irrigations, dry treatments (such as nasal sprays and drops), or medications to reduce symptoms.
By seeing a doctor, you can receive a personalized evaluation and medical advice to help manage your post nasal drip.
