Post Nasal Drip Causes
Our noses are lined with a type of mucus, and this mucus helps to trap small particles that are inhaled in through the nasal cavities. This is beneficial to us in a number of ways, but this mucus can sometimes be the source of some irritation.
When we are ill, excess mucus can cause our nasal passages to become congested, and our noses to run. In addition, excess mucus can sometimes cause irritation by dripping down the back of the throat in a condition known as post nasal drip. There are a number of things that can cause post nasal drip, and here we take a look at some of the most common.
1. The Common Cold
Perhaps the most common of all causes of post nasal drip is the common cold. The common cold is itself a very common illness, and a majority of people would have had it at some time in their lives. It is thankfully not serious and it relatively easy to treat, but it can cause problems for people who are particularly vulnerable. One symptom of the common cold is that it will cause the nasal passages to become inflamed, and mucus production will be increased. The excess mucus needs to be exposed of somehow and this often means down the back of the throat. The flu and other illnesses can also cause the same symptom.
2. Pregnancy
It is not uncommon for pregnant women to develop post nasal drip. In addition, some will also get other related symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, a cough, and a sore throat. It is not completely understood why this is the case, but it is thought to be related to the changing levels of progesterone and estrogen in their body.
Post nasal drip in itself is not necessarily dangerous to either mother or child. However, it can lead to dehydration in some cases so it is important that the mother continues to take on plenty of fluids to keep them hydrated.
3. Changes in Weather
Depending on where you live in the world, you are likely to find that there can be a considerable difference in the weather during different seasons. Often, this change is quite gradual and barely noticeable from day to day. At other times, changes in the weather can be somewhat more sudden.
Sudden changes in the weather can play havoc with our immune systems, and this can lead to a lot of people falling ill. These illnesses are usually only mild, even if they can lead to some unwelcome symptoms. One of these symptoms is post nasal drip. The symptom can also occur as a direct result of the changes in the air passing through the nasal cavities.
4. Allergies
Allergies are very common, and a lot of people will have allergy attacks simply from breathing in the air. An allergy is a condition where otherwise harmful particles are recognized by the body as being something that could do us harm. This causes the body to react, and the symptoms we experience from allergies are a result of that reaction.
Allergies can cause a number of symptoms that can be quite irritating for the patient. One of these is inflammation of the nasal tissues, and this can result in other symptoms, including post nasal drip. The good news is that many allergies are treated relatively easily with antihistamines.
5. Fumes
Whether we are at work, painting the home, or cleaning the bathroom with chemicals, it is often necessary to take precautions. Certain chemicals can release fumes into the air, and these can cause us considerable problems depending on the chemical involved.
The symptoms can range from being very serious to being quite mild, such as post nasal drip. Depending on the chemicals being used, it is always a good idea to make sure the room is well ventilated, and/or that you are wearing a suitable mask. In addition to chemical fumes, smoke from fires can also cause problems if inhaled.
6. Medication
As much as modern medicine is useful to us, it does have the ability to cause some problems for us. Even modern drugs often come with unwelcome side effects, and this means that we should always be careful when using drugs. If you are not sure, you should ask your doctor.
The symptoms caused can be serious but, most of the time, they are only mild, and one potential symptom of some types of medication is post nasal drip. Those drugs that can cause post nasal drip include those that are used to help regulate blood pressure, and some birth control medications.
7. Sinusitis
The sinuses are cavities that are located in the face and forehead part of the skull. We are not completely sure of all their functions, but we do know that they produce nasal mucus. If something was to go wrong with the sinuses, then the volumes of mucus produced can be affected.
Sinusitis is a condition where the tissues lining the sinuses become inflamed. This can, in turn, lead to excess mucus production, and this can lead to post nasal drip. Various things can cause sinusitis, and these include certain illnesses and atmospheric conditions that can irritate the sinus tissues.
8. Deviated Septum
Our noses are divided into two from top to bottom by a ridge of bone and cartilage that is known as the septum. The location of the septum makes it quite vulnerable to damage, especially in people whose nose protrudes from their face quite prominently.
Thus, it is not uncommon for people to get a broken nose, and this can result in a deviated septum. A deviated septum basically means that the septum is no longer straight, and some people are also born with the condition. The condition can cause some complications for the patient, and one of these complications is post nasal drip.
9. Foreign Object in Nose
It is not often that we have the need to insert objects into our noses and, when we do have the need, we are usually quite careful about it. Regardless, some people, especially young children, will sometimes end up with foreign objects in their nose that they cannot remove.
This is not usually too serious, especially considering most of us can breathe through our mouths instead if necessary. It can still cause some problems, though. It is likely to cause irritation to the nasal tissues, and it can also cause post nasal drip. Fortunately, such obstructions should not be too difficult to remove.
10. Foods
There is a huge range of foods that we have access to. Not only does this mean a wide range of flavors, but also sensations such as spiciness and bitterness. This adds to the variety when it comes to eating, but some people will need to avoid certain food to avoid unwelcome symptoms.
Some types of food, such as spicy foods, can cause the body to start producing more mucus than it usually would. This can, in turn, cause nasal drip. The good news is that even if some people do need to avoid certain foods, there is still an enormous variety left for them to enjoy.
