Post-nasal drip can be caused by colds, allergies, medication, and structural issues. It can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medication, but can also require further medical evaluation or sinus surgery. Complications can include ear infections and changes in taste sensations.
Causes of post-nasal drip include colds, allergies, the flu, and even pregnancy. Additionally, some medications such as blood pressure medications and birth control pills can also cause post-nasal drip. In children, foreign bodies trapped in the nasal passages can often cause postnasal drip as well. Sometimes structural problems such as a deviated septum can also contribute to postnasal drip, however, other causes are more common.
Frequently, extreme temperatures, spicy foods, and dairy products can cause post-nasal drip, as can breathing certain chemicals, cleaning products, and strong perfumes. Although post-nasal drip is not considered a serious medical condition, it does produce uncomfortable symptoms such as an itchy nose, cough, and runny nose. Also, it can make the individual sneeze excessively and cause itchy throat. Over-the-counter treatments are usually effective, but prescription drugs are sometimes needed.
When allergies cause postnasal drip, symptoms can usually be reduced by taking antihistamines or decongestant medications. Typically, antihistamine medications dry up excess mucus and relieve the constant runny nose, where as decongestant medications reduce the swelling that occurs in the sinuses. When infections cause postnasal drip, your doctor might recommend antibiotics. This is only applicable when the infection is related to a bacterial infection and not a virus.
While antihistamines and decongestant medications are effective in relieving postnasal drip symptoms, they can cause significant side effects. For example, antihistamines are known to cause drowsiness, dry mouth and daytime sleepiness. Decongestants, on the other hand, can cause rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and anxiety. Before taking these medications, people should talk to their healthcare providers to make sure they don’t conflict with other medications they may be taking. Additionally, these medications may also be contraindicated for patients with certain existing medical conditions.
When the cause of postnasal drip cannot be determined, further medical evaluation may be needed. The doctor may recommend that the patient have an X-ray of the sinus to check for nasal polyps or other blockages. In cases of blockage, medications are generally not effective, however, sinus surgery can effectively treat the blockage and restore a normal breathing pattern.
Post-nasal drip complications can include an ear infection. When the Eustachian tube becomes blocked by mucus, pressure and fluid build up and cause significant pain and hearing loss. Also, postnasal drip can cause changes in taste sensations, which can cause a loss of taste or a metallic taste in the mouth. Usually, after postnasal drip has resolved, taste sensations will return to normal. Taste aberrations are usually the result of bacteria and other compounds present in the mucous membranes.
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