Symptoms of postnasal drip may include throat irritation, coughing, the need to clear the throat, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. Moisturizing solutions can be used to relieve postnasal drip, gargling with saline solution, and allergens can be avoided. It is important to consult a doctor in case of chronic or severe postnasal drip.
What causes nasal discharge?
Postnasal drip is defined as a thick or liquid-like discharge that flows from the back of the nose to the throat. Normally, the mucus in the nose is produced for moisturizing and protection. However, in some cases, this mucus flows backwards from the nose, causing a postnasal drip. Postnasal drip is usually the result of a problem in the nose and sinuses. The nose and sinuses have a series of structures that serve to clean, humidify and warm the air. These structures produce a sticky fluid called mucus. Mucus moistens the inner surfaces of the nose and sinuses, trapping dust, pollen, germs and other foreign matter.
In some cases, mucus production increases in the nose and sinuses, or the mucus forms in a thicker consistency than normal. This causes the mucus to flow backwards. This discharge, which usually flows from the back of the nose to the throat, is called postnasal drip. There are several possible causes of postnasal drip. These include the common cold, flu, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, reflux disease, hormonal changes, and cigarette smoke. Respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, can cause increased mucus production in the nose and sinuses, resulting in a runny nose. Allergic reactions can also increase mucus production in the nose and sinuses, leading to a runny nose.
Conditions such as sinusitis or nasal polyps can cause inflammation and congestion of the nose and sinuses. In this case, the mucus cannot drain normally and flows backwards. Reflux disease can cause irritation in the throat and post-nasal drip as a result of stomach acid flowing backwards from the esophagus. Hormonal changes can cause some women to experience post-nasal drip during pregnancy, menstrual period or menopause. Cigarette smoke can cause irritation in the nose and throat, causing a runny nose.
What are the causes of nasal discharge?
Postnasal drip is usually harmless and can go away on its own. However, in the case of chronic or severe postnasal drip, it is important to identify the underlying cause and consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment. Nasal discharge can be caused by various factors. The causes of nasal discharge are as follows:
- Cold and Flu: It is one of the most common causes. The increase in mucus in the nose and sinuses due to respiratory tract infections causes nasal discharge by flowing backwards.
- Allergic Reactions: Exposure to allergens such as pollens, dust mites, mold or pet dander can lead to conditions such as allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. This can cause a runny nose.
- Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the sinuses. Inflammation of the sinuses can cause runny nose and postnasal drip.
- Nasal Polyps: They are benign growths that occur in the nose. Nasal polyps can cause nasal congestion, nasal congestion, and problems with smell, as well as a runny nose.
- Reflux Disease: The acidic contents of the stomach may travel backwards through the esophagus and reach the throat. This can lead to throat irritation and runny nose.
- Cigarette smoke: Smoking or passive exposure to secondhand smoke irritates the nose and throat and can cause a runny nose.
- Hormonal Changes: Some women may experience postnasal drip during pregnancy, menstrual period or menopause due to hormonal changes.
How is the nasal discharge?
Postnasal drip usually decreases or disappears with treatment of the underlying cause. For the treatment of postnasal drip, some methods that can be used to relieve or pass the postnasal drip:
- Moistening: A humid environment prevents the nose and sinuses from drying out and helps mucus flow more easily. You can humidify the environment with methods such as humidifiers or steam inhalation.
- Cleaning with Salt Water: You can use saline solution to relieve nasal congestion and clear mucus. For this, you can choose products such as nasal sprays or nasal cleaning pots sold in pharmacies.
- Avoiding Allergens: If allergic reactions cause postnasal drip, try to stay away from allergens as much as possible. You can limit activities outside or take appropriate protective measures to avoid pollen.
- Hot Liquid Consumption: Hot drinks can relieve a runny nose. Drinking liquids such as herbal teas, warm water, or chicken broth can soothe the throat and thin mucus and make it easier to drain.
- Drinking Enough Water: Supplementing your body with enough water helps the mucus become thinner and more fluid. It is important to pay attention to daily water consumption.
- Avoiding Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can increase the runny nose, so try to stay away from such foods.
- Medicines: Medications prescribed by your doctor, such as antihistamines, decongestants, or corticosteroid sprays, can relieve postnasal drip. However, before using these drugs, consult a healthcare professional.
- Rest and Good Nutrition: Get enough sleep and follow a balanced diet program to strengthen your immune system. It is important to provide energy and nutrients so that your body can heal itself.
If a postnasal drip persists for a long time or is accompanied by severe symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. It is necessary to get a professional opinion to correctly diagnose the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment method.
Is it possible to treat postnasal drip herbal?
There are some herbal treatments that can help relieve postnasal drip. Here are some herbal treatment options that can help relieve postnasal drip naturally:
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It can help relieve nasal discharge. You can prepare ginger tea by adding fresh ginger slices to boiling water or use it in meals.
- Daisy: Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. By consuming chamomile tea, you can soothe the throat and relieve post-nasal drip.
- Mint: Peppermint can help open a blocked nose and sinuses. You can prepare peppermint tea by adding mint leaves to boiling water or inhalation with peppermint oil.
- Sage tea: Thanks to its antiseptic properties, sage can kill germs in the nose and throat and reduce nasal discharge. Sage can be consumed as a tea or gargle with sage tea for gargling.
- Garlic: Garlic has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. Consuming garlic by chopping or using it in meals can strengthen the immune system and alleviate nasal discharge.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal treatments for post-nasal drip. Each herb can have side effects or possible interactions. Also, herbal treatments may relieve symptoms but may not treat the underlying cause. Therefore, it is best to consult a specialist in case of severe or prolonged runny nose.
Is nasal discharge a symptom of corona?
Postnasal drip can be a symptom of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a disease caused by the virus called SARS-CoV-2, which causes respiratory tract infection. The most common symptoms of this disease are fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and muscle aches. However, some people may also experience mild or less common symptoms such as postnasal drip. Symptoms of COVID-19 may differ from person to person, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Postnasal drip alone is not sufficient to diagnose COVID-19. However, postnasal drip should be considered as one of the symptoms of COVID-19 and should be evaluated along with other symptoms.
If you experience or suspect any of the symptoms of COVID-19, follow the guidance and guidelines of your local health authorities. To reduce the risk of infection, precautions such as wearing a mask, obeying social distance rules, washing hands frequently and avoiding crowded environments should be taken. It is also important to contact healthcare organizations to get tested for COVID-19.