Postnasal edema treatment

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How and with what to treat postnasal drip?

Often, children and adults do not recover completely after a cold. This may be due to improper treatment. In this case, cases of postnasal drip are not uncommon - this is a disease when discharge continues along the back wall of the pharynx.

Table of contents:

It causes discomfort and discomfort. Due to the inflamed mucous membrane of the pharynx, a person may cough on a regular basis, and sometimes even vomiting is possible.

Causes and symptoms

The causes of postnasal drip can be:

  • runny nose;
  • rhinitis (allergic, drug, occupational and vasomotor);
  • deviated nasal septum;
  • sinusitis;
  • sinusitis.

Some people suffer from this disease due to gastrointestinal problems and hernias.

In this case, the contents of the esophagus are thrown into the nasopharynx. Moreover, another reason why this syndrome appears is the presence of cysts and polyps in the nose.

Rarely, the disease is caused by an anomaly called Thornwaldt's bursa. This is a congenital anomaly, so after the birth of the child, specialists can quickly solve this problem with surgery. To prevent the syndrome from developing, it is necessary to increase the humidity in the apartment, consume more water, stop smoking, monitor hormones and not use nasal drops unless necessary.

Also among the factors under which the development of the disease is possible are an unfavorable environment and work in hazardous industries, however, it is unlikely that anything can be done about this, but other provoking factors must be minimized.

Symptoms

Symptoms of postnasal drip include:

  • feeling of mucus in the nasopharynx;
  • discomfort in the throat in the morning - burning and itching;
  • cough during the day;
  • severe cough at night;
  • expectoration of mucus;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • snoring, shortness of breath;
  • change in voice timbre;
  • nasal congestion.

Of course, the manifestation of all these symptoms is not necessary; some people only experience a cough, which people attribute to environmental conditions. However, if at least any of these symptoms appear (especially after suffering from an acute respiratory viral infection), you should think about it and visit a specialist. Stiffness can lead to more unpleasant things, for example, tonsillitis (which is much more difficult to cure).

If postnasal drip causes discomfort, this is a reason to consult a doctor. The symptoms of the syndrome are very nonspecific and can indicate other diseases. Therefore, it is important to correctly diagnose postnasal drip.

For diagnosis, a CT scan or x-ray of the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses are used, samples are taken for allergens, a blood test and a smear are performed for microflora. But even after all these procedures, it is quite difficult to make a correct diagnosis. That is why it is important to contact a good specialist so as not to suffer from postnasal drip all your life.

Treatment of postnasal drip with medications

In order to completely get rid of swelling, it is necessary to cure the underlying disease, because the syndrome described above may be a symptom of something more serious. But, as already mentioned, it can also occur separately from other processes occurring in the body as a complication after a cold.

If the patient has an allergy, then it is necessary to drip glucocorticosteroids into the nose (for example, “Nasonex”, “Avamys” and others, the choice in pharmacies is very large), you can irrigate the nasopharynx with antiallergic sprays and take antihistamines orally (the well-known “Claritin” is suitable) .

Corticosteroids also give good results for rhinitis (provided they are taken in courses), but often the effect can wear off quickly. If a person has abnormalities of the sinuses, he should take antibiotics (Amoxiclav), drugs to improve immunity (IRS-19) and rinse the nose with salt or other antiseptics.

When is surgery needed?

In the treatment of postnasal drip, not only conservative treatment methods are used, but also surgical interventions (for serious pathologies). The most common operation is to correct the nasal septum, but you can also trim the wings of the nasal turbinates, remove polyps and Thornwaldt's bursa.

Surgery is the most effective treatment for postnasal drip, provided it is not caused by an allergic reaction or rhinitis. Moreover, the operation will help get rid of other troubles - it will have a cosmetic effect, relieve snoring and nasal congestion.

All of the above medications should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor and under his constant supervision. The fact is that postnasal drip can be caused by various reasons; at home, a person is not able to determine the etiology of nasal drip.

Stream in children

Children also often suffer from numbness, and the most common causes are inflamed adenoids and untreated rhinitis or ARVI. Therefore, the doctor most often prescribes nasal rinsing with corticosteroids and oral decongestant medications. In order not to irritate the mucous membrane, it is necessary to rinse the nose with saline solution - this helps get rid of mucus and achieve the necessary hydration.

If the child is under two years old, then these methods are not suitable. He needs drops of sea water. It is worth buying an air humidifier for your apartment, drinking a lot of water and sleeping so that your head is higher than your feet. Postnasal drip is not a reason to skip school, unless the disease is in the inflammatory stage.

Treatment of postnasal drip with folk remedies

There are also folk remedies that can reduce the uncomfortable sensations of numbness. These remedies will not completely relieve you of postnasal drip, but they will help reduce the amount of mucus produced.

These remedies should be used with caution in relation to children and should not be used at all - in case of allergic reactions, only traditional medicine will help you here.

  1. You can add 2 teaspoons of propolis, 2 drops of lavender and rosemary oil to 0.5 liters of boiling water. After this, you need to breathe over the steam for 10 minutes;
  2. Brew herbal tea (any kind), add turmeric, ginger and a spoonful of honey. You need to drink this tea hot and in small sips;
  3. Mix honey and lemon juice and drink in small sips - this helps with mucus stagnation.

Remember that folk remedies cannot cure you of numbness, they can only alleviate the syndromes and relieve discomfort for a while.

For more effective treatment, it is better to consult a doctor, get tested and identify the origin of the disease in your case.

In order not to provoke postnasal drip and mucus accumulation, there are some means of prevention, for example, wet cleaning, using humidifiers, wearing things made from natural fabrics, limiting the consumption of junk food, refusing to work in hazardous industries, strengthening the immune system, frequent walks, treatment of all diseases under medical supervision (this will help avoid the development of complications).

Health is the most important component of any person’s life. Under no circumstances should you neglect them. If you notice at least one symptom of postnasal drip, there is no need to postpone your visit to the doctor. By starting treatment in a timely manner, you can prevent the development of other, more serious diseases.

Source: http://prostudynet.ru/zabolevaniya/drugoe/postnazalnyy-sindrom

Postnasal drip syndrome - signs of the disease, treatment and prevention

The development of the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract often leads to the occurrence of various diseases. This process usually affects the nasal cavity and is characterized by mucus draining down the back of the throat. This condition is called postnasal drip syndrome. This syndrome is not an independent disease, but develops against the background of some disease of the ENT organs.

Causes of postnasal drip

The main causes of the disease

In the nasal cavity and pharynx there are glands that are responsible for the production of mucus. It helps moisturize the nasal membranes and helps clear the nasal cavity of various inhaled substances. When this mucus accumulates in the throat and flows down the back wall, postnasal drip develops. A moderate amount of mucus accumulation in the throat is normal. When there is a large amount of mucus discharge, it is customary to talk about a deviation.

The main factor that has a great influence on the development of postnasal drip syndrome is an allergic runny nose or chronic sinusitis.

Other causes of postnasal drip include:

  • Enlarged adenoids
  • Bacterial sinusitis
  • Vasomotor rhinitis
  • Drug-induced rhinitis
  • Rhinitis in pregnant women
  • Allergic sinusitis
  • Anomalies in the structure of the nasopharynx

Any inflammatory processes occurring in the upper respiratory tract are accompanied by an accumulation of mucus. In most cases, poorly treated rhinitis or its inadequate treatment provokes the appearance of mucus or snot in the throat. If measures are not followed during the treatment of rhinosinusitis, the aerodynamics of the nose are disrupted, which leads to the accumulation of clots not in the nasal cavity, but in the throat.

More information about the treatment of rhinitis can be found in the video.

Vasoconstrictor nasal drops can affect the occurrence of the syndrome if used for a long time and incorrectly. Vasoconstrictor drugs are addictive and dry out the sinus mucosa. As a result, the functions of the nasal cavity are impaired. After some time, the sinuses swell, making it difficult for mucus to drain through the nasal passages. As a result, the accumulated mucus drains down the throat.

The mucous membrane of the nasopharynx can be affected by a fungal disease. When the fungus multiplies, it prevents the normal discharge of mucus and accumulates in the throat.

Among the deviations in the development of the nasopharynx are:

  • Deviated septum
  • Thornwald cyst
  • Anomalies in the structure of the nasal concha

The occurrence of postnasal drip is influenced by pathological processes such as esophageal diverticula and laryngopharyngeal reflux. With reflux, undigested food is thrown from the stomach into the throat. Food can have different levels of acidity, so when the mucous membrane is aggressively exposed, mucus is formed, which leads to coughing.

Clinical manifestations of the syndrome

The intensity of the syndrome may vary depending on the position of the person’s body. When positioned horizontally, mucus drains and lands on the epiglottis and vocal folds. Then, irritating the reflexogenic zones, a dry cough appears. If the patient is in an upright position, the mucus is swallowed, but without an accompanying dry cough.

The general clinical manifestations of the disease are largely similar to the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infection.

The main signs of postnasal drip:

  • Feeling of mucus in the throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Dry cough
  • Itching and burning in the nasopharynx
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Feeling of a lump in the throat
  • The mucus is usually yellow, but orange-brown clumps may occur

The patient may complain of painful and unpleasant sensations in the paranasal sinuses. As the inflammatory process develops, the pharynx may become involved, which is caused by the appearance of pharyngitis. After mucus drains, throat irritation occurs. Patients often have a sore throat, which can make it difficult to eat and drink hot or cold drinks.

In many cases, the symptoms of the disease are pronounced in the morning.

In the chronic form of the syndrome, the patient is bothered by severe coughing attacks at night. Mucus contains a larger number of microbes, which, when they enter the stomach, lead to upset.

Positive postnasal drip develops when mucus is transported from the nasal cavity to the pharynx if it does not affect the pharyngeal openings and the surface of the soft palate. If there is no accumulation of mucus, then it is customary to talk about negative postnasal drip syndrome.

Treatment of postnasal drip

Methods of treating the disease

To identify and establish numbness syndrome, the otolaryngologist conducts a detailed examination of the ears, nose and pharynx, taking into account the patient’s complaints. If necessary, laboratory and endoscopic tests are prescribed. During the examination, the doctor may notice an accumulation of mucus or a thick secretion in the hypopharynx.

The principle of treatment of leakage syndrome is based on the correct treatment of the concomitant disease.

Depending on the type and form of the upper respiratory tract disease, treatment tactics are determined:

  • If the syndrome is not caused by allergic rhinitis, then the patient is prescribed decongestants and antihistamines, steroid sprays and aerosols.
  • Allergic rhinitis, which has led to postnasal drip, is treated with intranasal corticosteroids. The drugs should be used only after consultation with an otolaryngologist, who will prescribe appropriate medications. It is prohibited to use medications on your own, as this can worsen the pathological condition.
  • If a bacterial infection is present, treatment is carried out with antibiotics. In some cases, endoscopic sinus surgery is indicated. If the structure of the nasal turbinates is abnormal or the nasal septum is deviated, corrective operations are performed to reduce the severity of the symptoms of the disease.
  • If the cause of the syndrome is gastroesophageal reflux disease, then it is undesirable for the patient to eat and drink 2-3 hours before bedtime, and also to give up bad habits. To suppress the production of hydrochloric acid, special drugs are prescribed that block this process. All these measures help improve mucus discharge.

You can perform nasal irrigation at home. To do this, add half a teaspoon of soda and salt to warm water and stir well. The procedure can be performed 2 to 4 times a day using a special device designed for irrigation.

In addition to irrigation, it is recommended to gargle with saline solution.

You can use a weak solution of potassium permanganate, furatsilin, decoctions of chamomile, oak bark, sage, etc. for rinsing. It is advisable to perform the procedure in the morning, since a large amount of mucus accumulates overnight.

Steam heating will help get rid of the symptoms of postnasal drip. To do this, add rosemary or lavender essential oil to a container of warm water. Lower your head over the container, cover it with a towel and inhale the steam.

Preventive diseases

When mucus drains into the throat, a person experiences great discomfort. Inadequate treatment can further aggravate the situation and lead to the development of serious diseases.

The patient can reduce the symptoms and manifestations of a runny nose on his own. To do this, you should constantly humidify the air in the room, ventilate the room, use a face mask while cleaning, wear cotton clothes, etc. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of spicy, fried foods.

Bed linen should be made of cotton, and the pillow should be chosen from hypoallergenic materials. You should also avoid being near a fire or in smoky rooms. In order not to provoke irritation of the nasopharynx, it is not recommended to use aerosols, perfumes and other means. Patients need to drink large amounts of warm liquid to relieve the condition and suppress mucus secretion.

For frequent colds, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system, eat fruits, engage in physical activity, and harden the body.

If there are deviations in the structure of the nasal septum or turbinates, then these pathologies should be eliminated in time.

The occurrence of postnasal drip syndrome can be prevented by following these recommendations. It is necessary to promptly treat emerging diseases of the ENT organs that affect the development of the pathological process.

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The medical information published on this page is strictly not recommended for self-medication. If you feel negative changes in your health, immediately contact an ENT specialist. All articles published on our resource are for informational purposes only. If you use this material or a fragment of it on your website, an active link to the source is required.

Source: http://tvojlor.com/lor/throat/sindrom-postnazalnogo-zatekaniya-priznaki-zabolevaniya-lechenie-i-profilaktika.html

Postnasal drip: development, symptoms and reliable treatment methods, doctor's recommendations

Postnasal drip is an inflammatory process in the upper respiratory tract, in which mucus flows down the back wall of the nasopharynx, provoking coughing attacks. Discharges enter the larynx and pharynx for different times and manifest themselves in completely different ways. During the day, sputum enters the throat, is swallowed reflexively, and the cough practically does not appear. At night, during sleep, mucus enters the pharynx, irritating reflex zones and causing severe discomfort with coughing.

Postnasal drip is characterized by inflammation in the nasopharynx, sinuses, or nasal cavity.

In a healthy person, sputum is constantly present in the nose, paranasal sinuses, bronchi, and trachea. It lines the mucous membrane, prevents it from drying out and is a habitat for the microflora of the respiratory tract. In addition, it contains specific cells of the immune system. Mucus begins to actively secrete when an infection, foreign body, or allergen enters the body.

Development of postnasal drip

The first description of the disease appears in an article written in 1794 by Dr. Frank. The author designated the action in the form of “chronic catarrh of the pharyngeal form.” Almost 100 years later, in 1886, Dobell determined that postnasal drip syndrome can manifest itself in two forms: long-term and acute. At this time, the disease was quite common in the United States, so Mackenzie and MacDonald suggested that the culprit of the disease was the arid climate and heavy dust. In 2005, the syndrome was given the name “rhinosinusitis” in the United Kingdom. Doctors have found that this condition cannot be an independent disease, but develops against the background of concomitant pathological phenomena.

Reasons for the process

Postnasal drip is most often caused by ENT diseases:

Despite the fact that M. Forer and S. Ananda proposed an expanded range of diseases in which sputum appears in the larynx, ENT diseases remain the leading ones.

Important! During illness, the content of immune cells in the mucus increases, which are capable of destroying pathogenic microflora.

Doctors also name other reasons for mucus flowing down the back wall of the nasopharynx:

  • abnormal development of the nasal sinuses - a cyst-like formation “Thornwaldt's bag”, in which inflammation occurs in an isolated space near the pharyngeal tonsil. Under certain conditions, cysts rupture and mucus drains from the nasopharynx. According to statistics, the disease is common in almost 3% of the population;
  • diverticula of the esophagus - protrusion of the walls of the esophagus;
  • laryngopharyngeal reflux - stomach contents are thrown into the esophagus, causing postnasal drip.

Main symptoms

The symptoms of the syndrome are very similar in their manifestations to colds, so patients pay attention to them only when the disease begins to cause a lot of inconvenience.

Postnasal drip is similar in symptoms to acute respiratory infections

Clinical symptoms of postnasal drip:

  • labored breathing;
  • sinus congestion;
  • unpleasant sensation in the larynx;
  • cough;
  • wheezing in the chest area;
  • dry mucous membranes;
  • sputum discharge is dirty - orange in color.

Unpleasant symptoms intensify after waking up. Patients complain of coughing attacks leading to vomiting, a feeling of concentrated mucous secretions in the throat. Symptoms of postnasal drip syndrome often lead to pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx), in which mucus running down the back wall of the nasopharynx causes inflammation. A distinctive indicator of postnasal drip is the influx of thick sputum in the posterior areas of the nasal turbinates. Upon examination, the doctor identifies viscous streams of mucus that flow from the nose or paranasal sinuses into the throat, passing the palate. In this case, we are talking about the positive nature of the syndrome. If pathological clots of mucous discharge are not observed, the negative nature of the disease is noted.

Diagnosis and treatment

To clarify the diagnosis, careful research is carried out, since clinical signs are not individual for a particular disease. The overall picture is based on the following indicators:

  1. patient complaints;
  2. inspection results;
  3. a set of information about the onset of the disease;
  4. X-ray results;
  5. CT.

Treatment of postnasal drip syndrome is based on the treatment of the primary disease that caused the unpleasant symptoms. In some cases this is not justified. Even after a full course of therapy, the feeling that mucus is flowing down the back wall remains. The classic treatment of postnasal drip involves:

  • corticosteroids, which are used intranasally - the mucous membrane is irrigated with medications through the nasal cavities (sprays);
  • antibiotics - if rhinitis is of bacterial origin;
  • antihistamines;
  • medications that relieve swelling - for non-allergic rhinitis.

Sometimes treatment for mucus draining down the back wall of the nasopharynx comes down to surgery. The operation is performed on the posterior ends of the nasal sinuses. Often the situation can be corrected by:

  • correction of a curved nasal septum;
  • normalization of aerodynamics;
  • restoration of the anatomically correct structure of the walls of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

Treatment of inflammation of the posterior wall of the nasopharynx is possible using traditional medicine methods:

  1. Irrigation. The most popular recipe remains a water-salt solution. The nasopharynx is washed 3–4 times a day. A decoction of calendula and chamomile relieves inflammation of the mucous membrane, thins and removes mucus. To prepare 1 tbsp. l. the herbs are crushed and brewed with a glass of boiling water. Insist min. The solution is filtered and used for gargling and rinsing the nasopharynx.
  2. Inhalations. They use medicinal herbs, essential oils with an anti-inflammatory effect (eucalyptus, pine, tea tree oil), boiled potatoes in their skins, and alkaline mineral waters.
  3. Heat compresses.

Important! Doctors say that frequent rinsing of the nasopharynx and oral cavity thins mucus, relieves pain and speeds up the healing process.

Doctors recommend creating optimal humidity in the room, eliminating irritating factors (smoking, using perfume), and drinking more fluids. For allergy sufferers, use bedding and clothing only from hypoallergenic materials. Postnasal drip is not always amenable to home treatment. When the first manifestations appear, you must contact the clinic to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe adequate therapy.

Source: http://nasmorkoff.ru/treatment/postnazalnyj-zatek-razvitie-simptomy-i-metody-lecheniya/

Postnasal drip

Postnasal drip, or postnasal drip, is characterized by inflammation in the nasopharynx, sinuses, or nasal cavity. In this case, the secreted mucus enters the respiratory organs located below.

Description of postnasal drip

Postnasal drip was first described by Frank in 1794. He defined this phenomenon as chronic catarrh with a pharyngeal form. Subsequently, almost 100 years later in 1886, Dobell established that postnasal edema can be divided into acute and chronic forms. And also that this syndrome is not an independent disease, but only one of the manifestations of other pathologies. The condition was then known as “American Qatar” because it was more common in America. MacDonald and Mackenzie expressed the opinion that the reason for this lies in the certain climate of this country, characterized by an abundance of dust and dryness. In the UK in 2005, postnasal drip was given another name - rhinosinusitis.

In most cases, this condition appears after diseases such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, rhinitis during pregnancy, vasomotor rhinitis and rhinitis, which is caused by abnormal nasal structure. In some cases, postnasal drip occurs due to a special cyst-like formation located near the tonsils.

Almost any inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory system is accompanied by drainage of mucus along the back wall of the pharynx and larynx. The intensity of this phenomenon depends on the position of the body. If a person lies down, the discharge drains and gets into certain areas, causing a cough. In an upright position, there is no cough, and the mucus that is discharged is reflexively swallowed when it drains.

Symptoms

In its manifestations, postnasal drip is very similar to a common acute viral infection. Symptoms of this condition are as follows: difficulty breathing through the nose, nasal congestion, cough with sputum, headaches, shortness of breath, discomfort in the sinuses, persistent coughing and wheezing in the chest and lungs. The main sign of postnasal drip is a significant accumulation of mucous discharge in the back of the nasal cavity and its constant flow into the pharynx. In this case, clots of mucus can even acquire orange-brown shades.

With postnasal drip, all symptoms intensify in the morning. Often people suffering from it wake up from discomfort in the throat and coughing attacks.

In some cases, in addition to the above signs, symptoms characteristic of pharyngitis are also observed. This may be due to mucus drainage, involvement of the pharynx in the inflammatory process, nasal congestion and mouth breathing, as well as improper use of drops with a vasoconstrictor effect.

Diagnostic measures

Many doctors, when dealing with such complaints, diagnose the patient with “chronic bronchitis”. Correctly determining the disease, and therefore prescribing the required treatment, can be done through a thorough examination, analysis of the patient’s complaints and X-ray results.

Treatment of postnasal drip

As already mentioned, postnasal drip is not an independent disease. Therefore, treatment of this condition must begin with eliminating the pathology that caused it. There are many methods for treating postnasal drip. The most common treatments are long-term antibiotics or steroid therapy. The latter method is especially effective for allergic rhinitis.

Sometimes surgical treatment may be required, for example in cases where it is necessary to restore the natural anatomy of the nose. Problems requiring such intervention include deviated nasal septum, the presence of Thornwaldt's bursa and other diseases.

Prevention

You can prevent the appearance of postnasal drip if you prevent the diseases that cause it, or treat them promptly and correctly. In other words, for people prone to allergies, prevention of this condition consists of monitoring nutrition, cleanliness in the home, the flowering calendar of certain plants, and so on. For people who catch colds quickly and easily, these measures consist of strengthening the immune system, hardening, taking courses of vitamins and dressing according to the season and weather.

If there are violations in the anatomy of the nasal cavity, they should be corrected in a timely manner. This will avoid the subsequent development of postnasal drip.

Source: http://nasmork-rinit.com/lechenie-nasmorka-dlya-vsekh/269-postnazalnyj-zatek

Postnasal drip syndrome: causes and treatment

Inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract can affect all ENT organs and cause a variety of concomitant diseases. Among them is postnasal drip syndrome (drip syndrome).

Postnasal drip syndrome is a consequence of inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, manifested in the flow of secretions down the back wall of the pharynx into the lower parts.

A problem arises with inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx, nasal cavity or sinuses.

Diagnosis of postnasal drip

Postnasal drip syndrome is similar in its symptoms to respiratory viral diseases. These are unpleasant sensations in the throat and nasopharynx. However, there are also specific signs. Postnasal drip is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • sensation of mucus in the throat, desire to cough, clear throat
  • labored breathing
  • cough
  • dryness, itching, pain in the nasopharynx
  • sore throat
  • nasal congestion.

Postnasal drip is accompanied by additional symptoms:

Good to know: Draining mucus contains a lot of microbes; when they enter the digestive tract, they tend to cause upset.

The symptoms of the disease are especially pronounced in the morning - a person has difficulty breathing, feels a lump in the throat, and coughing bothers him at night.

The diagnosis of the disease is carried out by an ENT doctor. On examination, clots and streams of orange-brownish mucus are found in the back of the nasal cavity and on the way from the nose to the pharynx.

In the absence of mucus, a characteristic cough helps to diagnose the disease - dry, but accompanied by the presence of secretions in the respiratory tract. In children, it is not always possible to immediately determine the cause of cough, and it may also indicate numbness syndrome. The final diagnosis is made after a thorough examination and radiographic examination or tomography.

Causes of postnasal drip

The human body has glands that produce mucus to moisten the nasal cavity and throat. A small amount of mucus draining is normal. And its abundance is already symptoms of mucus leakage syndrome.

The causes are various diseases:

  1. Diseases of the ENT organs:
  • rhinitis – allergic, post-infectious, vasomotor, medicinal, rhinitis of pregnant women;
  • sinusitis – fungal, bacterial, allergic;
  • enlarged adenoids.
  1. Anomalies in the structure of organs:
  • Thornwaldt's cyst;
  • deviated nasal septum.
  1. Digestive system problems:
  • laryngopharyngeal reflux;
  • esophageal diverticulum.

In the latter cases, part of the food rises from the stomach and irritates the mucous membrane of the throat, causing the formation of mucus. But most often the problem is caused by rhinitis and sinusitis, especially chronic ones. Mucus acts on the larynx, stimulating coughing.

Good to know: Mucus leakage can be caused by the unwise use of cold drops. Drugs with a vasoconstrictor effect, used for a long time, disrupt the functions of the nasal cavity. This causes the sinuses to swell and impede the natural flow of mucus, which is forced to pass through the throat, causing irritation and coughing.

Treatment of postnasal drip

Postnasal drip syndrome occurs due to certain problems in the ENT organs. Accordingly, treatment first of all consists in eliminating the main problem. Various methods can be used for this:

  • antibiotic therapy – for bacterial diseases;
  • Steroid therapy – treats allergic rhinitis
  • decongestants in combination with antihistamines - for non-allergic rhinitis
  • surgical correction – for deviated septum, chronic sinusitis, presence of Thornwaldt’s bursa
  • elimination of problems of the digestive system - with reflux.

If treatment concerns children, then it is carried out using gentle methods, with careful medical supervision.

Important! Any medications are taken only as prescribed by a physician; self-medication can be ineffective and even dangerous!

As general ways to alleviate the condition of postnasal drip, treatment is complemented by:

  • gargling with solutions of salt, furatsilin, decoctions of medicinal plants - sage, chamomile, oak bark, preferably in the morning;
  • irrigation of the nasal cavity: warm water with salt at the rate of a teaspoon per liter is poured into a special device for irrigation;
  • warming with steam - add essential oils to hot water - rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, cover and inhale, use with caution, especially when treating children.

These measures will help treat idiopathic syndrome when the underlying cause of the problem is unclear.

There is treatment with folk remedies. Among them are used:

  • a mixture of honey and aloe, a tablespoon after meals, will help eliminate cough;
  • a mixture of honey and calendula petals - treatment for sore throat.

Postnasal drip syndrome can become chronic if not properly treated in a timely manner.

Prevention of postnasal drip

Mucus leakage syndrome is caused by various diseases, so their prevention will be the prevention of the syndrome.

  1. If you have a tendency to catch colds, you need to strengthen your immune system, lead a healthy lifestyle, and treat acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. Timely treatment will prevent the occurrence of postnasal drip.
  2. Those prone to allergies should be careful during seasonal exacerbations.
  3. If there are defects in the nasal cavity, it is better to carry out correction in time.
  4. In order not to irritate the nasopharynx, avoid perfumes, the smell of tobacco smoke, other strong odors and polluted air, ventilate and humidify the premises.

Simple but effective measures will help avoid postnasal drip.

Source: http://lor-expert.ru/throat/redkie/postnazalnyj-sindrom.html

What is postnasal drip syndrome?

Postnasal drip is an inflammatory process localized in the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses, accompanied by the flow of mucous secretions along the posterior walls of the larynx. Who is most susceptible to this pathology and what treatment will be required to get rid of postnasal drip?

Causes of postnasal drip

According to medical experts, the processes of mucus flowing down the back wall of the larynx can develop under the influence of the following factors:

  • Sinusitis.
  • Vasomotor runny nose.
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Bacterial sinusitis.
  • Enlarged adenoids.
  • Congenital anomalies of the structure of the nasopharynx.
  • A disease of otolaryngological origin.
  • Deviation of the nasal septum.
  • Some disorders in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Polyps or cystic neoplasms localized in the nasal cavity.

According to experts, any inflammatory processes localized in the upper respiratory tract, if treated incorrectly or untimely, can provoke the development of postnasal drip. Children under the age group of 5 years are especially susceptible to this pathology. The reasons for this are insufficient development of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract, as well as a weakened immune system.

In addition, the development of postnasal drip syndrome may be caused by prolonged and uncontrolled use of nasal drugs of a vasoconstrictor nature, leading to swelling of the paranasal sinuses, which complicates the natural flow of mucous secretions. As a result, accumulated mucus passes through the larynx area, causing a coughing process and symptoms of irritation of the mucous membranes.

The following factors significantly increase the risk of developing postnasal drip syndrome:

  • Insufficient drinking regime.
  • Unfavorable environmental factor.
  • Excessively dry indoor air.
  • Inhalation of harmful chemicals or toxic substances.
  • Violation of metabolic processes.
  • Smoking.
  • Alcohol abuse.

Symptoms of postnasal drip syndrome

According to medical experts, postnasal drip syndrome is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms and clinical signs:

  • Sensation of accumulation of mucous secretions localized in the larynx.
  • Cough syndrome.
  • Headache.
  • Signs of general asthenia.
  • Difficulty in nasal breathing.
  • Itching and burning sensation in the nasopharynx.
  • Development of pharyngitis.
  • Increased body temperature.
  • Snore.
  • Nausea.
  • Attacks of vomiting.

Clinical manifestations of postnasal drip may differ slightly, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, the form of the course and the severity of the pathological process. With the development of this disease, the paranasal sinuses and larynx are affected. As a result, the child may experience symptoms such as a sore throat and difficulty eating and drinking.

If the pathological process becomes chronic, the patient is bothered by a night cough. In addition, when mucus containing a significant amount of bacteria penetrates the gastric cavity, disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract that accompany postnasal drip develop.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of postnasal drip is carried out by a qualified specialist - an otolaryngologist. The doctor examines the patient, studies the general symptoms, clinical picture and the results of the collected anamnesis. To establish an extremely accurate diagnosis, the following types of studies are carried out:

  • X-ray examination.
  • Taking allergy samples.
  • CT scan.
  • Taking a smear for bacterial microflora.

Treatment methods for postnasal drip

In order to get rid of the manifestations of postnasal drip, first of all, it is necessary to recover from the underlying disease that provoked its development. For these purposes, depending on individual indications, antihistamine, antiviral, expectorant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed.

Patients may also be recommended a drug that relieves swelling. Only the attending physician can prescribe medications and determine their optimal dosage, after a preliminary comprehensive diagnosis!

A good therapeutic effect in the initial stages of the pathological process is achieved by washing the nasal cavity and larynx with soda, saline or furacillin solution. It is recommended to carry out this type of manipulation in the morning, immediately after the patient wakes up.

You can also eliminate the unpleasant symptoms characteristic of postnasal drip syndrome at home using steam inhalations. For these purposes, solutions with lavender or rosemary essential oil are used. This physiotherapeutic procedure can be carried out using special inhalers, or using a container of hot water and a towel.

A good antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by rinsing the larynx with warm decoctions prepared from oak bark or chamomile. During the therapeutic course, medical specialists strongly advise adhering to a therapeutic diet, which involves following the following rules:

  1. Exclusion from the daily diet of fried, spicy and salty foods.
  2. Refusal of alcoholic beverages, coffee and strong tea.
  3. Increasing the percentage of foods rich in vitamins C and E in the daily diet.
  4. Proper diet. Refusal to eat after 19:00.

If conservative treatment methods are ineffective, as well as if the development of postnasal drip syndrome was caused by abnormalities of the nasal passages or a deviated nasal septum, the patient may need surgical intervention. In most cases, this type of operation is performed endoscopically.

Traditional medicine against postnasal drip

Treatment of postnasal drip with folk remedies can be used as a component of complex therapy, after prior agreement with the attending physician!

A mixture of honey and aloe (the ingredients are combined in identical proportions) will help get rid of cough syndrome and eliminate manifestations of irritation localized in the larynx area. It is recommended to take the medicine in the morning, one tablespoon at a time.

For pain in the throat, a potion made from honey and calendula petals, taken in equal proportions, will help. This remedy is taken one tablespoon, 2 times a day, on an empty stomach.

Drinking herbal tea, for the preparation of which you can use medicinal herbs such as mint, rosemary, sage, and chamomile, has an excellent therapeutic effect. It is recommended to add a little turmeric, ginger and a teaspoon of honey to the infused herbs brewed with boiling water. To achieve extremely favorable results, you need to drink 2-3 glasses of this herbal tea throughout the day.

For adult patients, to relieve symptoms of postnasal drip, you can use pepper tincture to rinse the larynx. This procedure may cause discomfort, but is characterized by a high degree of effectiveness, reduces the amount of mucous secretions and facilitates respiratory processes.

Inhalations using propolis tincture give a good effect. To prepare a healing solution for inhalation, add two tablespoons of propolis tincture and a couple of lavender or rosemary essential oils to boiling water (half a liter). The optimal duration of this procedure is 10–15 minutes.

To treat post-nasal drip syndrome in young patients, the following recipe is well suited: add a teaspoon of lemon juice and an identical amount of honey to a glass of herbal tea. The medicine should be taken in small sips in the morning or when you feel an accumulation of mucous discharge in the larynx.

Preventive actions

To prevent the development of postnasal drip syndrome, medical experts strongly advise adhering to the following extremely simple recommendations:

  1. Refrain from eating harmful, allergenic foods.
  2. Regularly carry out wet cleaning of the premises.
  3. Take vitamin and mineral complexes to strengthen the immune system.
  4. Regularly ventilate the room and take walks in the fresh air.
  5. Use clothes and linen made from natural fabrics.
  6. Drink as much warm liquid as possible in order to suppress the processes of producing mucous-type secretions.
  7. Eliminate defects in the structure of the nasal septum.
  8. Use air humidifiers to create a favorable indoor microclimate.
  9. Treat otolaryngological diseases in a timely manner.
  10. To refuse from bad habits.
  11. Avoid contact with substances (perfumes, smoke, household chemicals, etc.) that can provoke the development of allergic reactions or have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes.

Postnasal drip syndrome, in most cases, develops against the background of diseases of otolaryngological or allergic origin. This pathology worsens the patient’s quality of life and can provoke the development of unwanted complications. The therapeutic course for postnasal drip syndrome is developed by specialists individually, depending on the reasons that provoked the development of the pathological process!

Source: http://domlor.ru/vzroslye/postnazalnyj-zatek.html

Postnasal drip: what is it?

The term “postnasal drip” is characterized by the fact that inflammation occurs directly in the upper respiratory tract. Where exactly does inflammation occur? The disease can affect the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and most often the process develops in the nasal cavity.

You need to understand that with this syndrome, the secretions that are released from the nasal cavity begin to flow down the back wall of the pharynx and such mucus ends up in the tracheobronchial tree. As soon as mucus enters the air passages, in medicine this is called (tracheobronchial tree), then irreversible mechanical stimulation begins to occur in it. Such stimulation occurs precisely in the area of ​​the cough reflex. After this, the patient develops a severe cough.

Postnasal drip can occur due to:

  • Bacterial sinusitis.
  • Vasomotor rhinitis.
  • When does rhinitis occur in pregnant women?
  • Anomalies directly in the development of the nasopharynx.
  • It may occur if the patient has allergic fungal sinusitis.

Treatment

  1. First of all, the doctor collects the patient’s medical history and then conducts a laboratory examination of the discharge. Only after this, the doctor can prescribe individual treatment.
  2. In order to quickly get rid of phlegm, most often the doctor prescribes rinsing the nasopharynx, as well as gargling. In addition, it is necessary to use expectorants, which also help remove phlegm. As a rinse, you can use: saline solution, weak solution of potassium permanganate, furatsilin.
  3. Or prepare solutions or decoctions from medicinal plants at home.

If you rinse daily, you can not only quickly clear the nasal passages, but also relieve the inflammatory process in the larynx, as well as in the nasopharynx.

  • If postnasal drip syndrome occurs against the background of a bacterial infection, then in this case, the doctor will already prescribe antibiotics. Please note that you cannot carry out self-treatment; the dosage of the drug must be prescribed by a doctor to avoid complications.
  • Antitussives: Codeine or Strepsils are most often prescribed.
  • In order to dilate the bronchi, the doctor may prescribe bronchodilators, for example: Trisolvin.
  • In addition, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs, for example:
    • "Lazolvan." Adults, as well as children over 12 years of age, should take 4 ml orally. Please note that 1 ml is equal to 25 drops, apply three times a day. Up to 2 years, 25 drops 2 times a day.
    • "Erespal." Available in the form of syrup, adults from 3 to 6 measuring spoons, depending on the severity of the disease. This drug should not be used by children whose body weight is less than 10 kg.

    Traditional methods of treatment

    Traditional methods can be used as a treatment for this disease, but before that, you need to consult a doctor.

    In order to get rid of phlegm at home, use aloe leaves that seem simple at first glance.

    • To do this, you need to rinse the medicinal plant well and grind it.
    • Then mix with honey in a container 1:1.
    • Application: minutes after eating, use the product internally, one spoon at a time.

    Please note that if you are allergic to honey, this treatment method cannot be used.

    Therefore, you may want to use a different treatment method. At home, you can also prepare a simple tincture based on medicinal herbs.

    • You will need: eucalyptus, chamomile, sage.
    • Preparation: take the herbs in equal parts (1 teaspoon each), pour boiling water (1-2 liters) and leave for two hours.
    • After this, reheat and add a little lemon juice or acid.
    • Application: use warm 2 times a day as a rinse.

    Calendula petals can also be used as inhalations. For 2 liters of water put 2 tbsp. spoon.

    • Application: breathe in the steam while wrapping your head in a towel. Remember that when inhaling medicinal herbs, you must close your eyes.
    • Breathing should be calm, inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth.

    But such inhalations must be carried out in combination with expectorants.

    In addition to medication and traditional methods of treatment, for this disease it is also necessary to avoid salty, fried and spicy foods.

    Source: http://gaimoritstop.ru/postnasalniy-zatek.html

    Postnasal drip: what is this process?

    When an inflammatory process occurs in the upper respiratory tract - the nasal cavities, pharynx, paranasal sinuses, accompanied by mucus flowing down the back wall of the pharynx, doctors talk about such a thing as postnasal drip, or postnasal drip syndrome.

    Development and description of the disease

    This phenomenon was first described by Frank back in 1794; the specialist then defined the disease as chronic catarrh with a pharyngeal form. Later, almost 100 years later, in 1886, Dobell was able to establish that postnasal drip syndrome can have two forms - acute and chronic. In addition, each form of the pathological process has its own characteristics of manifestation.

    Doctors of that time discovered that postnasal drip does not develop as an independent pathology, it only occurs as a sign or consequence of a certain disease of the ENT organs. At that time, this disease was known as “American Qatar”, since it mainly affected people living in America. Scientists McDonald and Mackenzie suggested that the cause of the defeat of the Americans was the peculiarities of the local climate - an abundance of dust and excessive dryness of the air. In the UK in 2005, another name for this ENT disease appeared - rhinosinusitis.

    Reasons for the process

    • vasomotor rhinitis;
    • allergic fungal sinusitis;
    • bacterial sinusitis;
    • enlarged adenoids;
    • rhinitis of pregnant women;
    • abnormalities in the development of the nasopharynx.

    The anomaly in the structure of the nasopharynx is caused by a special cyst-like formation, which is located near the tonsils. According to otolaryngologists themselves, almost any disease of the upper respiratory tract is accompanied by copious formation of mucus that flows down the back wall of the pharynx.

    Moreover, it has been proven that the intensity of the pathological process is caused by the position of the human body. If a person lies down, mucus drains and enters a certain area of ​​the respiratory tract, causing attacks of dry cough. In an upright position, mucus also flows into the throat, but it does not cause a cough, but is swallowed reflexively.

    Main symptoms

    • difficulty breathing through the nose;
    • cough;
    • headache;
    • wheezing in the lungs and bronchi;
    • unpleasant sensations in the nasopharynx - itching, burning, dryness.

    Particularly intense manifestations of postnasal drip occur in the morning, immediately after waking up. Often people suffering from such an inflammatory process are awakened at night by severe coughing attacks.

    In addition, this pathological process may have characteristic signs of pharyngitis. This is due to the fact that mucus flowing down the back of the throat causes irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat. Often patients develop a sore throat, which makes eating and talking difficult.

    Diagnosis and treatment

    Many specialists, due to lack of experience, diagnose “chronic bronchitis” in the presence of such signs. An accurate diagnosis can be determined based on a thorough examination of the patient’s nasopharynx and throat, analysis of the patient’s complaints and the results of an x-ray examination.

    Treatment of postnasal drip, based on the fact that this process is not an independent disease, should be carried out depending on its causes. Relieving the symptoms of postnasal drip syndrome becomes possible only with proper drug treatment of the underlying disease. Treatment of non-allergic rhinitis will bring a positive result and stop the process of formation and drainage of mucus when using vasoconstrictors, decongestants and antihistamines.

    In case of allergic rhinitis, during the period of severe coughing attacks, the patient’s condition can be alleviated by using intranasal corticosteroids. In some cases, the use of antibiotic therapy becomes inevitable when the runny nose is bacterial in nature. Also, otolaryngologists, for certain indications, recommend that patients undergo endoscopic surgery on the sinuses and nasal septum. Corrective surgeries of the nasal septum usually help normalize the aerodynamics of the nasal sinuses.

    Recommendations from experts

    With a chronic runny nose that is allergic in nature, the patient can help himself. To do this, experts recommend following these simple steps:

    1. Wear a medical mask when cleaning or working in dusty areas;
    2. Give preference to clothing made from natural materials, as synthetics often cause allergies;
    3. Bedding for a person suffering from chronic rhinitis should be made exclusively of cotton, and the pillow should be made of hypoallergenic materials, such as bamboo fiber;
    4. Humidify the air in the room, constantly ventilate the room;
    5. Avoid being near exhaust fumes, smoke from a fire or cigarettes;
    6. Avoid the use of aerosols, perfumes and other products that irritate the nasopharyngeal mucosa.

    The occurrence of postnasal drip syndrome can be prevented; for this, it is necessary to promptly treat the diseases that cause this pathological process. It is also important to monitor your diet, excluding the consumption of allergic foods, and keep your home clean and tidy. If postnasal drip is caused by frequent colds, it is necessary to take measures aimed at strengthening local and general immunity. If there are anomalies in the structure and functioning of the nasopharynx, any pathologies must be eliminated in a timely manner.

    If you have questions for your doctor, please ask them on the consultation page. To do this, click on the button:

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