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Post-Nasal Drip

What causes it? Is it curable? What is the best remedy? What is it a symptom of?

These are valid questions for which those suffering from post-nasal drip (PND) should have a valid answer. Let's do that starting with a definition and causes:

What is post-nasal drip?
It is simply excessive mucus trickling onto the throat area, from the posterior portion of the nasal cavity. The mucus would have, ordinarily, dripped out of the nostrils. Also excessive drainage from the sinus cavities running directly into the throat is also considered post-nasal drip.

What are the causes of post-nasal drip?
PND is caused by irritation of the membranes lining the nasal and sinus cavities. The natural reaction of those membranes is to wash away the irritant by producing profuse mucus. Things that can cause nasal membrane irritation are:

• The environment:
  • air pollution - smoke, smog, dust
  • air dryness
  • cold air
  • viral infections - "colds," "flu"
  • allergies
• Sinus infection - a very common type of PND, knowing the symptoms of sinus infection and being able to treat them early could prevent a full infection
• Bacterial infection - the mucus from the sinuses is also thick, usually with pus. It's yellow or green. It can be accompanied by phlegm
• Rhinitis - also known as runny nose, is an irritation and inflammation of the membranes of the nose
• Acid reflux - more specifically, the laryngopharyngeal type
• Birth control pills or pregnancy - due to the elevated level of estrogen hormones present in the body
• Smoking - it dries out the nasal passage membranes causing irritation
• Alcoholic beverages - same reason as previous line

Mucus production
The function of the nasal cavities and the passage membranes is to produce mucus. A healthy body produces between one and two pints of mucus everyday. It is watery and clear and we do not notice it until it thickens and tickles our throats. Mucus maintains those membranes healthy so that the cavities and passages may carry out their protective functions properly. The cilia--a very small one cell organisms with hairlike projections which are part of the membranes--are constantly sweeping and moving mucus and fluids in those areas toward the nose to avoid congestion. Care should be taken to preserve the integrity of those important mini-organs.

Rhinitis
One of the main causes of PND is rhinitis. Commonly known as runny nose it is an irritation and inflammation of the membrane lining the nose cavity and adjacent passages. It is caused by irritation of that membrane by things such as: allergic reactions to pollens, bacteria, viruses, smog, constant exposure to dust, chemical fumes, etc. and results in the production of excessive amounts of mucus dripping through the nose or the throat area. In the big cities smog can be the main cause of this ailment. Rhinitis has been linked to other disorders such as: insomnia, learning and ear problems. Treatment: includes antihistamines, desensitization to the irritant--provided it is organic and that injectable serum can be produced, keeping away as far as possible from the irritant, surgery as last resort.

Allergies
During the plants growing season--April through September--possibly the single most common cause of post-nasal drip is allergy to airborne pollens. Most people have allergies, in various degrees, to certain pollens. When the sensitivity to them is high then post-nasal drip, among other symptoms, can become an issue. Treating rhinitis caused by allergies includes: lessening exposure to allergens, taking antihistamines, desensitization of the person to the allergens. There is another source of allergens that can play havoc with many people's noses, throats, eyes, breathing. It is: house dust. Unfortunately, many people suffering from PND don't know the allergic effect house dust can have. Treatment: taking some antihistamines for temporary cases, allergy desensitizing injections for the long run. Sinus pressure is often a symptom of allergic reaction. To know whether you are allergic to house dust, for instance, you can do a preliminary test by getting down close to the carpet or a dusty area in the house and taking a good sniff. If you are allergic to the dust you will know it right away.

Sinus infection - sinusitis
Another common post-nasal drip cause is sinusitis. Technically, sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the membranes lining the sinuses. Often it begins with a "cold," "flu" or allergic attack. This irritates those membranes and mucus production increases dramatically. The sinus membranes swell to wash away the irritant. If the swelling continues it will block the small openings to the sinuses (called ostia) and mucus and air won't flow into the nasal cavities. Pressure builds up. The sinuses become excellent breeding ground for bacteria and an infection follows. If this situation is allowed to become a chronic condition polyps can develop. This is not good for the rest of the respiratory organs. Since the infected mucus can infect those other organs, too, produce phlegm and other unpleasant symptoms like pain in the sinus areas.

Antibiotics
A viral infection producing the nasal irritation that in turn is producing the PND would not be stopped with an antibiotic. They usually last a short time. A bacterial infection, on the other hand, can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Infections in the upper respiratory tract: "colds," etc., are usually viral; while those in the lower respiratory system are bacterial.

Treatment of PND

• If a virus is involved the immune system itself should take care of most of it. Give it a couple of days or so. The initial stage produces a watery, clear mucus, with much body discomfort
  1. drink lots of water, fresh juice
  2. if allergies are suspected an OTC antihistamine should be helpful to relieve the symptoms
  3. rest, relax as much as possible
  4. if the virus is detected at the outset herbal EB will very likely stop it. Three Steps to Sinus Cure has very valuable information on cure and permanent prevention of sinus problems which apply also to post-nasal drip
• If after a week the problem continues it probably is not caused by a virus, but by a bacterial infection. An antibiotic will probably be needed. Only your physician can prescribe it. If not treated the infection and discomfort will probably linger for weeks
• On the other hand if this is a recurring problem relating to seasonal plants, then allergies are very likely the culprit. Depending on the severity of the PND, you would have to decide whether to consult an allergy specialist, for tests and possible allergy shots; to desensitize the body to that allergen.
• You should be aware that chronic post-nasal drip's irritation of the nasal membranes can cause polyps over time and/or throat infection

Permanent cure
As with many other sinus issues PND can be beaten most of the time by following a rather simple protocol, which includes:

• Diet. Some foods are just not good for people wanting to prevent and permanently cure this and other sinus issues--not just treat symptoms.
• Herbals to: (a) boost the immune system regularly; (b) be taken at the first sign of an occasional recurrence
• Acupressure: to boost the immune system also and to promote general sinus health
• Chiropractic. This is a very interesting and unknown therapeutic alternative which can be of enormous value to sinus and nasal issue sufferers
• Fasting on a regular basis has been practiced for millennia to boost the immune system and for concentrating the body's energy into curing itself
• A strategy to deal with allergy and sinus problems

These five items are covered well in Three Steps to Sinus Cure. Those who have tried this approach agree on one thing. It works!