What is postnasal drip?

A common symptom of a sinusitis infection is postnasal drip. Postnasal drip is defined as "a trickling of mucus onto the pharyngeal surface from the posterior portion of the nasal cavity, usually caused by a cold or an allergy. Sinusitis is also caused by a blockage in the sinus cavities that creates swelling from a preexisting cold or allergy usually. Throughout each day our glands secrete 1 to 2 quarts of mucus to keep the sinus and nasal passages moist. The mucus helps to trap and destroy any foreign pathogens or entities that enter the body and potentially cause an infection. Postnasal drip is a result of excess mucus production whether it is overly thin or thick that runs down the back of the throat.

What causes postnasal drip?

There are a number of causes for excess mucus production. During a sinusitis infection when bacteria get into the sinus cavity and attack the swollen sinus cavity lining, greater inflammation takes place producing more secretions. When the bacteria and mucus cannot be washed out by way of the cilia, the sinus infection begins. Other conditions that produce excess mucus include:

• Colds
• Flu
• Allergies
• Object stuck in the nose
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications (birth control and blood pressure medications)
• Deviated septum
• Cold temperatures or excess dryness
• Certain foods e.g. dairy, spicy
• Fumes from chemicals, perfumes, and cleaning products

Certain diseases may also increase the chances of sinusitis infection. A few of the disease that cause the cilia to not work correctly are cystic fibrosis, Kartagener's syndrome, and immotile cilia syndrome which can produce a sinusitis infection disease. The many symptoms of sinusitis include congestion, cough, facial pain, headache, and green nasal discharge.

What are the common treatment methods for postnasal drip?

Treatment for postnasal is dependent on the cause of the problem. If the cause is a bacterial sinus infection an antibiotic will likely be prescribed although it may only provide limited treatment. Antihistamines and decongestants are commonly recommended to assist with reducing mucus production especially for sinus infections. However, the older classes of antihistamines “over dry” the sinuses and thicken the mucus.

Thinning agents are taken to assist with postnasal drip. A thinning agent is a compound that contains guaifenesin also found in Mucinex. Guaifensesin is taken to assist with mucus production as well as preventing blockages in the ears and sinuses. It is recommended to increase water intake to flush the body out as well. Thick mucus is more unpleasant and can cause discomfort. In addition, nasal sprays or nasal irrigation is recommended to flush excess mucus, foreign debris, allergens, or irritants from the nasal passages. A nasal spray can provide some relief by flushing the lower sinuses however it is not capable of reaching the upper sinus regions due to large particle size that is emitted from the nasal spray bottle. Antibiotics and decongestants are also frequently used to assist with postnasal drip. These medications work by traveling though the blood stream. In the sinus cavities there are very few blood vessels, making it difficult for an efficient amount of medication to be delivered to the sinusitis infection.

Are there any alternative treatments available for postnasal drip?

Yes, indeed. Sinus Dynamics is a new treatment for sinus infections that produce postnasal drip and will help clear the symptoms as well as eradicate the infection itself. Sinus Dynamics uses the top of the line technology to fight sinusitis. Sinus Dynamics is a form of nebulized therapy, which uses anti-inflammatories, anti-fungals, and antibiotics to relive sinusitis rapidly through a nebulizer. The nebulizer provided by Sinus Dynamics delivers 3.2 micron particle size which results in the medication topically treating the infection. Sinus Dynamics treatment approach results in little to no side as well as a low systemic absorption. Sinus Dynamics nebulized therapy is safe, easy, and has a 98% success rate in patients. Call Sinus Dynamics today to discuss a postnasal drip treatment that works (877) 447-4276.

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