The sinuses are air-filled cavities within the head, with four pairs that have right and left sides. If the sinuses are infected or inflamed, it can cause various symptoms, one of which is an increase in mucus production. When this occurs, you will notice more postnasal drip as explained above. One common problem that occurs with chronic sinus infections is that the nonstop postnasal drainage results in a chronic cough.
You can clear your throat and blow your nose, but the irritated sinuses will continue producing more mucus… causing the throat tickle to never go away. The more you cough or clear your throat, the further irritated the voice box larynx becomes, a vicious cycle. Pay attention to how your upper respiratory system responds when you lay down to sleep at night. For example, when the sinus drainage causes a lot of postnasal drip, then it may cause you to cough at night. When you get up in the morning, your voice might sound hoarse and the coughing symptoms increase as the body is working to clear the mucus.
If you suspect that you might have a sinus infection or chronic inflammation in the sinuses, then schedule an appointment with a local ENT. For example, a common cold will stick around for 7 to 10 days before the symptoms clear up. If the cold leads to the development of a sinus infection, then the nasal symptoms will continue to persist, even after the other upper respiratory symptoms have subsided.
Another common cause of a postnasal drip sensation is silent reflux. Certain blood pressure medications can trigger a cough. An ENT can help tease out a persistent etiology.
But if you notice any of the following symptoms, then your best choice is to schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment:. When the main symptom is coughing, most people turn to over-the-counter treatments to manage the cough, such as cough syrup or throat lozenges.
Alternatively, one can use a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom at night. For adults and children over one year of age, a teaspoon of honey at bedtime can be beneficial. An ENT can perform a thorough history and physical to ascertain both sinus and non-sinus contributors to cough. CT scanning of the sinuses, available in the office, can be invaluable in diagnosing the source. Sinus drainage is constantly happening in your body.
This is normal; your sinuses need to drain all the mucus that they produce. Your sinuses create and drain up to a quart of mucus per day! Mucus coats the inside of the sinus cavity and traps infectious agents like bacteria, and then it mixes with saliva and you swallow it.
But sometimes, it does become noticeable. When the mucus is thicker than normal or you produce particularly large amounts of it, it may come out the nostril as a runny nose, or you may feel it as it drains into the throat. This is called post-nasal drip, and it can cause a cough. Spicy food, cold and dry air, fumes or smoke, and other factors can also cause mucus to run out of the sinuses faster than normal. This excess mucus in the throat can cause unpleasant symptoms — including coughing.
A hoarse voice and a sore throat are other symptoms that may appear at the same time. If you wind-up with post-nasal drip and a cough, you may benefit from seeing a doctor, depending on how severe your symptoms are and how long they last. Besides the common cold there are other symptoms that can lead to issues with the ear, nose and throat.
The treatment your doctor gives you will depend on what causes the post-nasal drip, and can include different medical advice as well as various solutions: 1,4.
Sinus drainage accompanied by coughing is very irritating, but it may go away on its own. If it does not, if it stays around for weeks, this may be a sign of a persistent condition that needs medical attention. If you bring up blood, let a doctor know right away. This may cause postnasal drip.
Most cases of postnasal drip clear up on their own. However, depending on its cause, complications can arise if postnasal drip is left untreated. There is a chance for infection if germs get in and cause the excess mucus to clog up the sinuses or Eustachian tube, which is the canal that connects the throat to the middle ear. It is best to treat postnasal drip early to avoid complications, and people should see a doctor for any symptoms that last for more than 10 days.
Over-the-counter decongestant medications such as phenylephrine Sudafed PE Congestion and pseudoephedrine Sudafed can help dry out the mucus. This works for many people but may not be right for everyone. These medications can dry out the mucus, and some people may find that their nose feels too dry.
Others find these medications make them feel nervous or dizzy and may avoid them for this reason. Newer drugs, such as loratadine Claritin and cetirizine Zyrtec are called non-sedating antihistamines, meaning they are less likely to cause fatigue.
This is especially beneficial for people who have to work or drive while dealing with postnasal drip. Additional over-the-counter non-sedating antihistamine options include fexofenadine Allegra and levocetirizine Xyzal.
Each of these medications comes with side effects and may interact with other medicines. A person should discuss new medications with a doctor or pharmacist before trying them. Another home remedy for postnasal drip involves thinning the mucus out.
There are over-the-counter medications for this, such as guaifenesin Mucinex , but there are also some non-chemical options. Increasing the moisture in the air may help make postnasal drip thinner and allow it to move smoothly through the passageways. Using humidifiers or steam vaporizers may help relieve postnasal drip, especially if it associated with clogged sinuses.
Saline nasal sprays or irrigation pots use salt water to flush out the mucus buildup. These options may help clear blocked airways and reduce overall mucus content. If the symptoms of a postnasal drip get worse at night, elevating the head while sleeping may help.
If the mucus buildup gets worse at night, people may find it helps to sleep with their head slightly higher than the rest of their body. Propping a couple of pillows under the head and shoulders promotes drainage and reduces the amount of mucus a person feels in their throat and airways. The body also loses water through a postnasal drip. Drinking plenty of liquids can help to thin mucus, keep the mucus flowing smoothly, and prevent dehydration.
Warm teas and broths may also provide relief from other symptoms, such as a sore throat , and the steam may help clear the sinuses. A person with discolored mucus that does not clear up should see a doctor, as this can be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection.
A person with a postnasal drip caused by a bacterial infection may require antibiotics. Infections caused by a virus will not be treated with antibiotics, however.
Anyone who experiences foul smelling mucus or symptoms accompanied by a significant fever should see their doctor for a proper diagnosis. Also, people who have been experiencing symptoms of postnasal drip for 10 days or more should see a doctor for a diagnosis. Doctors may order additional tests to check for other causes such as stomach acid reflux.
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