Some of the most common symptoms of post-nasal drip include itchy nose and throat, as well as excess phlegm or mucus dripping down the back of the throat. Some individuals may also notice a peculiar taste in the mouth and foul-smelling breath. Coughing up phlegm or a constant urge to clear the throat are other common symptoms of post-nasal drip.
Although quite often a post-nasal drip is associated with the common cold or other upper respiratory infections, many individuals experience post-nasal drip as a chronic condition. Those with seasonal allergies or sinus complications may suffer from post-nasal drip, which can include many of the above symptoms. Another common symptom associated with post-nasal drip is a scratchy throat that feels irritated and raw.
People who experience post-nasal drip symptoms may feel tired and rundown, although this is not always the case. A dry mouth can also be one of the symptoms of post-nasal drip, as this may be due to open-mouth breathing caused by constricted nasal airways. Swelling and inflammation along the nasal and sinus passages often lead to improper drainage of the sinuses. When this occurs, symptoms of post-nasal drip may be noticeable.
Many individuals who suffer from post-nasal drip symptoms feel worse at night. This is because while lying down, the nasal passages may become stuffy, and excess mucus may drip down into the throat. Experiencing sore throat upon awakening in the morning, along with congestion in the throat, are other symptoms of post-nasal drip. When this occurs, excessive thirst may be another symptom as well.
Some people suffer from chronic ear and sinus infections. In some cases, the physician may attribute these recurring infections to post-nasal drip. if necessary, a doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotic treatment for the infection and also an antihistamine to control the dripping of mucus down into the throat.
Nausea or even vomiting may be other symptoms of post-nasal drip. When a person feels queasy or sick to his stomach, it may be due to the mucus that drips down into the throat and into the stomach. In addition to the upset stomach, symptoms of heartburn may also occur as a result of post-nasal drip.
Other symptoms of post-nasal drip include hoarseness or laryngitis and pain upon swallowing. The voice may become low and raspy and speaking may be difficult. This may last for a few moments at a time, several hours, or even days. Hoarseness may occur with or without the presence of infection.
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shell4life
Post 4 |
I know that my post-nasal drip is caused by allergies. I have two dogs that live in the house, and I just don't have the heart to kick them out, so I take medication to deal with my symptoms.
I take an antihistamine to stop the runny nose, and it seems to dry everything up. However, it goes to the extreme. My nasal passages and throat become too dry, and I need a humidifier to help moisten them.
Still, I think I would rather have a dry nose and throat than have the post-nasal drip run out of control. Does anyone else have issues with allergy medication and overly dry sinuses? |
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seag47
Post 3 |
Every time I get a sinus infection, I notice that the post-nasal drip causes bad breath. If I breathe out through my mouth when I have an object close to my face, the smell bounces back to my nose, and I realize that I have offensive breath.
I always go get antibiotics from my doctor when I'm sure that I have a sinus infection, because it usually won't go away on its own. While I am taking the drugs, I rinse with strong mouthwash a couple of times a day to control the bad breath.
I also keep some breath freshening drops in my purse for when I'm at work. I am self-conscious when talking to coworkers in this condition, and the drops do seem to help. |
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Oceana
Post 2 |
@kylee07drg – I also suffer from chronic post-nasal drip at night. I will tell you that though it doesn't seem natural or comfortable at first, if you give up on trying to breathe through your nose and just breathe fully through your mouth, you will sleep better.
I do wake up with a very dry throat because I breathe through my mouth, but I simply keep a tall glass of water on the bedside table and sip it as needed. I just got so tired of fighting the congestion, and it's so much easier this way.
The good news is that even though your throat will get dry, the mucus in the post-nasal drip will lubricate it a little during the night! I try to look on the bright side of things. |
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kylee07drg
Post 1 |
I suffer from chronic allergies, and though I take medication daily for them, they don't go away. Though I will be fine when I first lay down to sleep, by the time I wake up, I catch myself breathing through my mouth, because my nose is completely clogged.
I have to sleep with my head propped up on two pillows, because the post-nasal drip will strangle me if I lay on just one pillow. I have choked on it and awakened gasping for breath before, and I try to avoid this unpleasant feeling.
I'm glad my husband is a deep sleeper, because I wake up several times during the night and have to blow my nose. This doesn't usually clear things up totally, and I continue to have post-nasal drip until I get up. |
