What is post nasal drip???

[studentIVlife]

I know this is a stupid question. But I keep hearing about post nasal drip?? WHat is it???

[GingerSue]

i know this is a stupid question. but i keep hearing about post nasal drip?? what is it???

this is from wikipedia:

"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.

the term pnd is obsolete and is now referred to as chronic upper airway cough syndrome. (pratter, chest. 2006;129:63s-71s)

pnd may be, in some cases, a contributing cause for halitosis - bad breath arising from the posterior tongue dorsum (rosenberg, j. am. dent. assoc. 1996 apr;127(4):475-82).

contents

[hide]

• 1 symptoms
• 2 treatment
• 3 external links
  
• 4 references

[edit] 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

[edit] 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 [2]

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.

[edit] external links

• aao-hns page on post-nasal drip