Post-nasal drip is caused by an inability to clear excess mucus from the nasal passages quickly. Allergies are a common cause, triggered by irritants found outdoors or indoors. Other causes include poor air quality, temperature changes, spicy foods, and some medications.
Anyone who suffers from post-nasal drip is familiar with the symptoms. Dry cough, itchy, runny nose, and persistent drip in the back of the nose and throat are unmistakable signs of irritating post-nasal drip. Allergies are one of the most common causes of chronic postnasal drip. The main culprits can be found outdoors in nature and inside a home or workplace.
Post-nasal drip is usually associated with a condition known as rhinitis, which refers to swelling and inflammation of the nasal lining and sinus. Symptoms are usually due to an inability to clear excess mucus from the nasal passages quickly. Allergies can trigger rhinitis and post-nasal drip because an allergic reaction tends to produce more mucus than the body can quickly clear.
Allergy-related causes of chronic post-nasal drip can come in the form of seasonal allergies to external irritants or chronic allergies triggered by allergens found in your home or office. Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, occur at various times of the year and are triggered by allergens such as pollen and grass. Spring and summer are common seasons for this type of allergy due to the abundant pollen in the air and grass particles floating around after lawns have been mowed.
Recurring or lifelong allergies usually come from irritants found within the home or workplace. Dust, dust mites and pet dander are the biggest culprits when it comes to chronic post-nasal drip caused by indoor allergens. Some office allergy sufferers point to mold as the root cause of allergic reactions when symptoms only occur while at work.
Some non-allergic causes of rhinitis and chronic post-nasal drip include poor air quality, rapid changes in temperature, and spicy foods. Irritants like smog, pollution, and car exhaust can lead to faster blood flow in the nasal passages and increased nasal secretions. Unlike an allergic reaction, this is a temporary response to a specific agent such as a strong smell of detergent or perfume or the smoke from cigarettes, pipes or cigars. Symptoms caused by these irritants usually go away when the discomfort is removed.
On rare occasions, post-nasal drip can be a side effect of some medications. Medications used to treat anxiety, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and some types of oral contraceptives are thought to cause post-nasal drip. However, medication interference is rarely the cause of post-nasal drip, and a doctor can usually determine when a prescribed medication is causing the rhinitis and associated symptoms.
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