What happens if post-nasal drip is left untreated?

Most cases of post-nasal drip go away with time, but long-lasting, untreated post-nasal drip and excess mucus can create a breeding ground for germs, which in turn can lead to additional health complications, including sinus infections and ear infections.

Can you ignore post-nasal drip?

The next time you start to feel that post-nasal drip tickle in the back of your throat, do not ignore it. Instead, call Clarity Allergy Center in Chicago at (773) 877-3500 to make an appointment with Dr. Rotskoff. Treating your post-nasal drip today will save you a lot of suffering tomorrow.

What are the long term effects of post-nasal drip?

Post-nasal drip is one of the most common characteristics of chronic rhinitis, and over a prolonged period of time, it may lead to a chronic sore throat, a chronic cough, or throat clearing.

How long does post-nasal drip last without treatment?

Many cases of postnasal drip clear up on their own. However, depending on its cause, complications can arise without treatment. It is best to treat postnasal drip early to avoid complications, so people should speak with a doctor for any symptoms lasting more than 10 days.

Can you have post-nasal drip for years?

Defining chronic post-nasal drip

These aren't truly chronic issues. Bacterial infections causing post-nasal drip can linger without antibiotic treatment. You should seek medical attention within a few weeks of symptoms. Post-nasal drip will be present for 12 weeks or longer before it's classed as chronic.

How to Get Rid of Post-Nasal Drip

What does constant post-nasal drip mean?

One of the most common characteristics of chronic rhinitis is post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip may lead to chronic sore throat, chronic cough, or throat clearing. Post-nasal drip can be caused by excessive or thick mucus secretions or impairment in the normal clearance of mucus from the nose and throat.

Why do I feel like I have mucus stuck in my throat all the time?

When mucus starts to build up or trickle down the back of the throat, this is known as postnasal drip. Causes of postnasal drip include infections, allergies, and acid reflux. As well as feeling the need to clear the throat frequently, a person with postnasal drip may also experience: a sore throat.

Is post-nasal drip serious?

In most cases, post-nasal drip is annoying but not dangerous. However, you should contact your doctor if you have: Unexplained fever. Bloody mucus.

Can postnasal drip cause infection?

Post-nasal drip often leads to a sore, irritated throat. Although there is usually no infection, the tonsils and other tissues in the throat may swell. This can cause discomfort or a feeling that there is a lump in the throat. Successful treatment of the post-nasal drip will usually clear up these throat symptoms.

Why won't the mucus in my throat go away?

Possible causes of excess mucus can be food allergies, an acid reflux from the stomach, or an infection. The consistency of mucus in the throat also varies depending on what is going on in your body. Common causes of too much mucus in the throat include a cold or flu, acute bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.

What is the best medicine to stop post-nasal drip?

Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip. Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) can work to get rid of postnasal drip.

How do I stop drainage in my throat?

What is the quickest way to get rid of post-nasal drip?

A simple way to thin it out is to drink more water. Other methods you can try include: Take a medication such as guaifenesin (Mucinex). Use saline nasal sprays or irrigation , like a neti pot, to flush mucus, bacteria, allergens, and other irritating things out of the sinuses.

What dries up sinus drainage in throat?

"Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus." Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed. "I recommend taking this in the morning only.

How do you know you have post-nasal drip?

How do I know if its sinus or Covid?

COVID-19 vs.

For instance, a runny nose can be a symptom of COVID-19. However, there are some symptoms unique to COVID-19. Gastrointestinal issues, fever, body aches and a new loss of taste or smell are not typical of allergies or a sinus infection.

What foods make post nasal drip worse?

Can post nasal drip cause shortness of breath?

Post nasal drip can be a trigger for an asthma attack, causing cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, the inflamed airways can produce additional mucus, further narrowing the space through which air can pass through.

Should I go to the doctor for post nasal drip?

Postnasal drip alone is not worrisome, but it certainly can be bothersome. If your symptoms persist more than ten days or seem to be getting worse, make an appointment with an ENT. You should schedule an appointment right away if you also experience fever, wheezing, breathing problems, or mucus with a strong odor.

Is it normal to have mucus in throat for months?

Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity of the body. It usually affects the back of the nose, the throat or the sinuses (air-filled cavities in the bones of the face). It's often temporary, but some people experience it for months or years. This is known as chronic catarrh.

What is the best medicine for mucus in throat?

You can try products like guaifenesin (Mucinex) that thin mucus so it won't sit in the back of your throat or your chest. This type of medication is called an expectorant, which means it helps you to expel mucus by thinning and loosening it.

How long can LPR symptoms last?

Although most patients show improvement of symptoms within 3 months, the resolution of symptoms and laryngeal findings generally takes 6 months.

Which antihistamine is best for post-nasal drip?

How do I know if my cough is from post-nasal drip?

Does Flonase stop post-nasal drip?

Nasal steroid sprays are effective at treating postnasal drip because they reduce the amount of mucus that causes coughing, sinus pressure, and sore throats. Flonase and Rhinocort are examples of nasal sprays that are used to treat allergic rhinitis, which is a recurring postnasal drip due to allergies.