Changes in the production or thickness of the mucus made by your nose and throat may lead to a postnasal drip that causes a constant throat tickle and reflexive cough. Though a postnasal drip may be an unfortunate side effect from your recent cold, it may also develop from other causes, such as allergies or chronic rhinitis. If your postnasal drip affects your daily life, David Bortniker, MD, and the experts at Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC, can help. Contact the office in Somerville or Warren, New Jersey, by phone today.
request an appointmentPost Nasal Drip
Video testimonial from one of our patients
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Download File: https://entcarepc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_8718.MOV.mp4?_=1The glands in your nose and throat produce up to 2 quarts of mucus a day. The mucus keeps the lining of your nose and sinus cavity moist, humidifies the air, and traps and destroys germs and other substances that may make you sick.
Typically, the mucus goes unnoticed, and you unconsciously swallow it throughout the day. However, if the glands produce too much or the mucus is too thick, you may develop a runny nose, or the mucus may run down the back of your throat and cause postnasal drip.
What causes postnasal drip?
You may develop a postnasal drip from several causes. Some of the most common include:
- Cold
- Flu
- Allergies
- Rhinitis (stuffy nose)
- Sinus infection
- Medication side effect
- Change in weather
- Deviated septum
- Various foods, chemicals, or perfumes
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Pregnancy also changes the production of mucus in your nose and throat, which may cause postnasal drip.
What are the symptoms of postnasal drip?
Constant throat clearing is the most common symptom of postnasal drip. You may experience a tickling sensation in the back of your throat and reflexive cough.
A sore throat or feeling like you have a lump in your throat are also typical postnasal drip symptoms.
When left untreated, the excess mucus may also increase your risk of developing an ear or sinus infection.
What happens during a post-nasal drip evaluation?
When you come in for a postnasal drip evaluation, the board-certified ENT physicians at Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC conduct comprehensive and personalized exams. The goal of the exam is to find the underlying cause, so you get the most effective treatment.
In addition to reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your provider at Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC, carefully examines your ears, nose, and throat.
Your provider may also perform an endoscopy, which allows them to more closely examine your nose and throat using a flexible, lighted camera.
How is postnasal drip treated?
The experienced ENT providers at Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC, create customized treatment plans for post nasal drip based on the underlying cause.
Treatment may include:
Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC also offers ClariFix to treat postnasal drip. The minimally invasive in-office procedure utilizes cryotherapy that targets the nasal nerves that cause congestion and postnasal drip.
To get relief from your postnasal drip, call Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC, or book an appointment online today.
*Video testimonial from one of Dr. Bortniker’s patients below:
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