If you've ever had the sensation of mucus constantly dripping down the back of your throat, you know how annoying postnasal drip can be, and you’re not alone. It’s as common as the conditions that cause it, ranging from colds and allergies to structural issues like a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
Our team at Jacksonville ENT Surgery specializes in solving problems like chronic postnasal drip and the underlying issues that bring it on. We’re also happy to provide the information you need to make informed health decisions.
In this case, we’re happy to provide insight about postnasal drip, why it irritates your throat, and the treatments we use to eliminate the problem.
Mucus-producing glands in the nose and throat help moisten the air you breathe, which your lungs prefer, and fight infection by filtering out bacteria, viruses, and other substances you inhale.
Unfortunately, infections, environmental pollutants, and other problems can cause excess mucus production. This mucus drains more than drips down your throat instead of being cleared out through your nose.
Postnasal drainage leads to symptoms such as:
Postnasal drip is also a common trigger of middle ear infections caused by mucus building up and blocking the eustachian tubes.
Excess mucus related to postnasal drip can irritate the throat in many ways, including:
The tissues in your throat are sensitive, and prolonged exposure to thick or excessive mucus may lead to inflammation, resulting in soreness or a scratchy sensation.
The mucus produced during postnasal drip may contain inflammatory substances that irritate your throat. This is particularly common in allergic reactions or sinus infections.
Postnasal drip can lead to frequent, sometimes nearly constant, throat clearing. This repetitive action can strain throat muscles and lead to additional tissue irritation or pain.
If postnasal drip is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, such as a sinus infection or a cold, the same pathogens that affect your nasal passages can irritate your throat. The combination of infection-related inflammation and dripping mucus compounds the discomfort.
Home remedies may be all you need to soothe a throat irritated by postnasal drip. Our team recommends:
If your sore throat or postnasal drip persists for more than a week, is accompanied by a fever, or if you notice thick yellow or green mucus, we recommend scheduling a visit.
Chronic postnasal drip may require specific treatments, such as allergy testing, prescription medication, or addressing underlying causes like acid reflux or a deviated nasal septum.
Call our Jacksonville or Lake City, Florida, office to schedule a visit at Jacksonville ENT Surgery or request an appointment online.
