Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5pm
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5pm

What is postnasal drip?

Post Nasal Drip - Greater Knoxville ENT - Knoxville, TN
It’s bothersome and you’ve actually thought it would never end – that tickle at the back of your throat, making you cough or clear your throat. It’s called a post-nasal drip. What causes a post-nasal drip? Post-nasal drip is pretty much very common. It can happen to almost anyone. Our noses have glands that produce mucus for fighting infections, keeping the nasal membranes moist, and filtering out foreign matter.  When we’re experiencing an allergic reaction, having viral or sinus infections, and experiencing changes in weather, our body may produce more mucus. The excess mucus may start accumulating at the back of our throats. We would start feeling the tickle in that area and sometimes, we may also feel it trickle down from our noses. Are there home remedies for post-nasal drip? Remedies for post-nasal drip could vary, depending on its underlying cause. If it is caused by an infection that causes congestion, an over-the-counter decongestant might help. Saline nasal spray, antihistamine, and nasal irrigation tools like neti pots could also help.  An excess in mucus production should not be an excuse to forget about hydration.  When you’re having a post-nasal drip, it’s very important to stay hydrated. Warm tea or chicken soup can help thin out the mucus and prevent dehydration. And of course, the good, old plain water can definitely help too! When should you see a specialist If your post-nasal drip persists for 10 days or more even with home remedies, then it’s time to see a specialist. You should also see a doctor if your mucus has a strong odor and if you’re having a fever and wheezing. Greater Knoxville ENT has specialists who are well-experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions of the eyes, nose, and throat. You can request an appointment by calling us at (865) 244-4396. References: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip https://www.healthline.com/health/postnasal-drip#see-a-doctor