What does constant mucus in the nasopharynx indicate and what to do?
Inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract happen to everyone from time to time. Usually such diseases can be cured in a fairly short period and the problem can be forgotten, but sometimes complications arise.
Table of contents:
- What does constant mucus in the nasopharynx indicate and what to do?
- Complaints of mucus and phlegm in the nasopharynx
- What is mucus made of?
- Causes of increased mucus volume
- Drug treatment
- Are antibiotics needed?
- Traditional recipes and inhalations
- Danger signs and when to see a doctor
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- Comments (2)
- Irina
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- Discussions
- What does mucus in the nasopharynx indicate?
- Unpleasant smell
- How to check
- What serves as the basis
- Factors
- What do we have to do
- Related measures
- Why does mucus accumulate in the nasopharynx and how to get rid of it?
- Mucus in the nasopharynx: accumulates and interferes with breathing. How to get rid of it?
- Accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx: causes
- Signs of mucus in the nasopharynx
- If thick mucus forms in the nasopharynx and is not swallowed
- If the nasopharynx is clogged with mucus: treatment
- How and with what to rinse the nasopharynx from mucus?
- Medications
- How to remove mucus from the nasopharynx using folk remedies
- Mucus flows down the back wall of the nasopharynx treatment
- Mucus along the back wall of the nasopharynx treatment in a child. What to do?
- Mucus in a newborn's nasopharynx
- Mucus in the nasopharynx during pregnancy
- Questions for the doctor
- What tests need to be taken?
- Technique for collecting mucus from the nasopharynx for meningococcus
- Prevention
- Related video: ENT doctor talks
- Add a comment Cancel reply
- Causes of mucus in the nasopharynx and how to get rid of it
- Causes of mucus in the nasopharynx
- How does mucus appear in the throat?
- Removing mucus from the nasopharynx
- How does mucus get into the throat?
- Washing and rinsing the nasopharynx with mucus
- Similar articles
- Add a comment Cancel reply
- Why does mucus flow down the back wall of the nasopharynx?
- Why does mucus drain down the back of the throat?
- Causes of mucus accumulation in the nasopharynx
- Why is thick mucus in the nasopharynx dangerous?
- Causes of mucus from the nasopharynx
- Postnasal drip - what is it?
- Causes
- Infectious runny nose
- Bacterial sinusitis
- Adenoiditis
- Pharyngitis
- Unfavorable environment
- Bad habits
- Conclusion
- Unfavorable environment
- A little about mucous membranes and mucus
- Nasopharyngeal problems
- The main reasons for the increase in the amount of mucus in the nasopharynx
- How to help yourself with excess mucus in the nasopharynx?
- Drawing conclusions
Insufficient or untimely treatment of colds often provokes the development of chronic pathologies characterized by a long course. Persistent mucus in the nasopharynx is a common symptom of such complications.
Complaints of mucus and phlegm in the nasopharynx
Mucus in the nasopharynx
Patients with allergic and inflammatory diseases most often turn to doctors with complaints of constant mucus secretion in the nasopharynx and throat. Doctors note that this problem can also occur with other ailments. The appearance of thick liquid in the lumen of the respiratory tract also occurs in healthy people, but with certain pathologies there is too much mucus and sputum.
The human body constantly produces mucus. It is believed that the total volume of mucus secreted by all cells of the body can reach one and a half liters per day. This viscous substance is necessary for the functioning of organs. Mucus in the respiratory tract accumulates and removes dust, dirt, grains of sand and other foreign elements from the body. Mucus also protects the walls of the respiratory organs from damage.
Normally, a person does not feel an accumulation of mucus in the throat, but with some diseases there is too much fluid.
Mucus is secreted in the following anatomical areas:
The release of large amounts of mucus during various pathological processes is associated with the functioning of the immune system. The harmful effects of infection or various pollutants irritate the cells responsible for secreting a viscous substance. Unfortunately, in this case, the body harms itself, since an increase in the volume of mucus secreted not only does not help get rid of pollution, but also clogs the nasopharynx and throat.
Sputum is a viscous liquid that is secreted during various diseases. This substance differs from ordinary mucus in the presence of bacteria, viruses, destroyed cells and other contaminants.
What is mucus made of?
The composition of mucus includes various components that determine the physical and chemical properties of the liquid.
Substances contained in mucus:
Among all the proteins contained in mucus, mucin is the most important. This chemical compound determines the viscous properties of the liquid, necessary for the uniform distribution of mucus on the walls of the organs. Mucus also contains chemicals that exhibit antibacterial activity.
Tissue breakdown products are a constant component of mucus.
Typically, exfoliated epithelial cells are found in the mass of destroyed tissue. In infectious and inflammatory diseases, tissue breakdown products may also contain destroyed leukocytes.
Causes of increased mucus volume
Increases in mucus in the nasopharynx can be caused by viruses, bacteria and allergens
The most common causes of excess mucus production are colds and allergic reactions. Independent inflammatory diseases of the throat are also often accompanied by copious sputum production.
The main reasons for the accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx:
- Irritation of cells by polluted air, chemical fumes, cigarette smoke and other factors.
- Seasonal allergies. Various air pollutants (poplar fluff, pollen) can irritate the cells of the immune system, causing the secretion of mucus.
- Acute respiratory diseases.
- Isolated respiratory tract diseases: sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis.
- Viral infections: measles, croup, mononucleosis, chicken pox.
Copious sputum production in these pathologies may be accompanied by a cough and the appearance of bad breath. In some cases, there is so much mucus that the patient finds it difficult to breathe.
It is worth noting less common causes of sputum. Among them are:
- Pregnancy. Many pregnant women complain of coughing, nasal congestion and sneezing. This often results in morning sickness. Such symptoms are explained by an increase in the concentration of estrogen in the blood of women. In addition to its main functions, this hormone also affects the production of mucus.
- Anxiety disorders and neuroses.
- Pneumonia, tuberculosis and other severe infections.
- Bronchial asthma, obstructive bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In rare cases, excessive mucus production may be due to individual characteristics of a person.
Drug treatment
Treatment depends on the diagnosis!
Drug therapy for excessive mucus production should be aimed at treating the underlying disease. Sometimes the doctor may prescribe symptomatic treatment to improve airway patency and reduce sputum production.
Basic medications for mucus in the nasopharynx:
- Decongestants. Typically, these drugs affect vascular tone and improve expectoration of sputum. These drugs should not be abused due to the possible addictive effect. In addition, long-term use of decongestants can cause abnormal dry airways.
- Antihistamines. These medications are designed to block or limit the activity of the substance responsible for the allergic reaction. Antihistamines can relieve the patient of excess mucus, runny nose and itching. Possible side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth and headache.
- Expectorants. The most common reason for prescribing such medications is the development of colds. Expectorants make mucus thinner.
More information about postnasal drip syndrome can be found in the video:
There are many forms of release of the listed medications: aerosols, drops, solutions and tablets. To choose the best remedy, it is best to consult a doctor.
Are antibiotics needed?
Antibacterial drugs can be classified as narrowly targeted drugs, since they act on certain pathological factors. These drugs are necessary to destroy bacterial cells in infectious diseases.
Excessive mucus secretion in the nasopharynx does not in itself require antibiotics. As noted above, such a pathology can occur under different circumstances, and bacterial infection is not one of the most common causes.
To prescribe antibiotics, the doctor must conduct a diagnostic test, including laboratory analysis of mucus.
Unreasonable prescription of antimicrobial agents can only worsen the patient's condition.
Traditional recipes and inhalations
Eliminate mucus from the nasopharynx by gargling!
Traditional medicine offers effective methods for getting rid of excess sputum and mucus. Here are some recipes:
- Rinse with decoctions and tinctures. Some medicinal plants have proven effective in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Such plants include echinacea, licorice root, ginseng, currant and mint leaves. You can purchase ready-made pharmaceutical products or make your own medicine from dry crushed plants. Such products are best suited for regular gargling.
- Rinse and rinse with salt water. Regular table salt dissolved in warm water can be an excellent remedy for getting rid of mucus accumulation in the nasopharynx. To make the product, just add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of boiled water. If the product is used to rinse the nose, the solution should be cooled to room temperature.
- Eucalyptus oil. This is an effective herbal remedy containing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial substances. It is recommended to use the product to lubricate a sore throat.
All of the herbal remedies listed can also be used for inhalation treatment. At home, the easiest way is to equip steam inhalation. To use this method, you need plant extracts, hot water, a saucepan or other container, boiling water and a regular blanket.
Natural herbal remedies are not addictive and can be used together with other medications.
Danger signs and when to see a doctor
Mucus in the nasopharynx is accompanied by alarming symptoms - you need a doctor!
The production of mucus and sputum is not the most dangerous symptom of inflammatory diseases. Sometimes the disease develops rapidly and at a certain stage begins to threaten the patient’s life.
You should immediately consult a doctor if the following signs appear:
- Persistent fever.
- Continuous cough.
- Weakness and dizziness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Purulent discharge from the nasopharynx.
Treatment of severe respiratory diseases is possible only in a hospital setting
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Comments (2)
08/31/2017 at 15:32 | #
Among the folk remedies for inflammation of the nasopharynx, I use inhalations with herbal decoctions, the most suitable are chamomile, linden flowers, calendula, and I also instill rosehip oil or sea buckthorn oil into the nose.
Irina
09/15/2017 at 09:04 | #
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What does mucus in the nasopharynx indicate?
The mucus in the nasopharynx is an excellent nutrient source for various types of microorganisms. Typically, proteins composed of amino acids may contain sulfur components. And if a person feels an excess amount of mucus (and the urge to cough up) in the nasopharynx, then this is an excellent environment for bacteria to live and multiply. Accumulating mucus in the nasopharynx envelops the nasal cavity and the root of the tongue. It consists of proteins, and this is an excellent food for anaerobic bacteria.
Unpleasant smell
The accumulation of a pathogenic environment is the main cause of bad odor from the mouth, be it mucus in the nasopharynx in children or adults. Its appearance is also possible with sore throat and colds. Studies have shown that a large amount of mucus and sputum that accumulates in the nasopharynx, when in contact with bacteria, behaves like a fuel cell. Many people believe that bad odor does not come from the mouth, but from the nasal cavity itself. But it is the mouth and throat that are the source of the bad odor, and the mucus that regularly accumulates in the nasopharynx only worsens the situation, promoting the proliferation of even more bacteria.
How to check
In order to verify this information, you should collect a certain amount of mucus from the root of the tongue and after a while examine the smell that appears. The nose is rarely the cause of bad odor. This happens due to pathologies (polyps) or the development of an infection.
What serves as the basis
Mucus in the nasopharynx is usually the result of a cold, often a runny nose, which is not completely cured. Also, unpleasant accumulations form when a person has chronic diseases. These include rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and sinusitis. Such diseases must be treated by specialists, since the inflammatory process will penetrate deeper into the body, and with the blood into other organs.
Factors
Many factors can influence the accumulation of mucus in the throat. These may be diseases of internal organs or environmental conditions. When mucus drains from the nasopharynx into the throat, a cough appears. In bronchial asthma, microbial mass accumulates. And yet, the most common factor is diseases of the ENT organs of bacterial and fungal origin, as well as the anatomical features of the nasopharynx.
What do we have to do
The only way to eliminate mucus in the nasopharynx is to treat the main ailment. If the disease is determined by an abnormality of the ENT organs, various methods of treatment are used. This use of antibiotics sometimes even leads to the intervention of surgeons.
Related measures
To reduce mucus secretion, you need to provide the body with foods high in vitamins C and E. Breathing exercises also help reduce the number of bacteria. You should drink a lot of water (about eight glasses a day), use salt rinsing, and do inhalations with the addition of eucalyptus oil. As far as possible, contact with cigarette smoke and household chemicals should be avoided. It is recommended to install air humidifiers indoors; such manipulations will help make the mucus in the nasopharynx more liquid.
Source: http://www.syl.ru/article/72899/o-chem-svidetelstvuet-sliz-v-nosoglotke
Why does mucus accumulate in the nasopharynx and how to get rid of it?
The accumulation of viscous mucus in the nasopharynx is often accompanied by unpleasant symptoms: a constant feeling of tickling, difficulty breathing through the nose, hacking cough, general intoxication of the body, weakness and headache. The disease prevents a person from leading a normal lifestyle. Without properly selected therapy, the disease enters the chronic stage.
Mucus in the nasopharynx is a pathological process caused by various factors:
- acute or chronic respiratory infection (rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis, mononucleosis, pharyngitis);
- allergic reactions to impurities in the air (dust, tobacco smoke, wool, pollen, mold);
- bronchial asthma;
- vasomotor rhinitis due to uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictor drops;
- smoking;
- hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy.
Comprehensive therapy will help get rid of mucus in the nasopharynx, including:
- treatment of the underlying disease;
- mechanical cleaning of the nasopharynx;
- antiseptic treatment of the airways;
- relieving swelling of the mucous membrane;
- stimulation of protective forces.
The question of how to get rid of mucus in the nasopharynx in cases accompanied by a purulent inflammatory process is decided by an otolaryngologist. A medical professional may propose a treatment regimen that includes the following:
- antibiotics (cephalosporins);
- drugs that thin sputum and facilitate its drainage (bromhexine, ambrobene, ACC, lazolvan);
- gargling with antiseptic solutions (miramistin, chlorhexidine, furatsilin);
- nasal rinsing (cuckoo procedure);
- antihistamines (suprastin, loratadine);
- immunomodulators;
- physiotherapy in a clinic setting.
Home remedies are effective for non-purulent accumulations of secretions, as well as as an additional treatment to standard therapy. Such drugs, unlike short courses of medication, can be used for a long time after the acute phase has stopped in order to prevent chronicity of the disease. Natural components rarely cause unwanted side effects, including in children and pregnant women.
The following will help remove mucus from the nasopharynx during inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by colds, rhinitis, sinusitis and achieve stable remission:
Inhalations are an affordable and gentle method of treatment. The medicine acts only locally, uniformly irrigating the airways, leading to the rapid death of bacteria that cause pathology. Thanks to the synergistic effect of steam and the medicinal substance, the accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx is reduced and overall well-being is improved. A lasting, long-lasting effect is achieved by enhanced regeneration of mucous membranes after steam cleaning.
For inhalation, you need to boil a liter of water and add suitable medicinal ingredients. Inhale the vapor alternately through the nose and mouth for 15 minutes. To enhance the effect, you can cover your head with a large towel.
It is important not to burn the nasal mucosa with hot steam in the first minutes!
Depending on tolerance, the following are used as therapeutic components:
- pharmaceutical herbs (sage, chamomile, coltsfoot, oregano, mint, eucalyptus);
- potato;
- sea salt;
- iodine;
- soda;
- essential oils.
It is enough to add 1-2 tablespoons of any herbal mixture to the water. To avoid allergic reactions, you should not use more than two types of herbs.
An alternative to medicinal plants are pharmaceutical preparations made from medicinal natural raw materials: pinosol, rotokan, essential oils of coniferous trees and eucalyptus. These products are dissolved in boiling water a few drops at a time.
Inhalation of soda, sea salt and iodine is considered a safe and effective method. These components, added to water one teaspoon at a time, additionally relieve annoying cough and relieve swelling of the mucous membrane.
To treat potatoes, vapors are inhaled over a pan of hot cooked vegetables.
When treating with steam, it is advisable to observe the following rules:
- Inhalation should be carried out at least an hour after meals.
- During the session, re-adding boiling water is prohibited;
- It is not recommended to go out into the cold air or drink cold drinks and food immediately after inhalation.
Inhalations are contraindicated for persons suffering from obstructive bronchitis, asthma, heart failure, and acute purulent sinusitis.
A long-term therapeutic effect is achieved by daily removal of nasopharyngeal mucus by rinsing.
For the procedure you can use:
- a vessel with an elongated spout (small oriental teapot);
- empty plastic drop bottle;
- rubber bulb;
- large syringe without needle;
- pharmaceutical devices with ready-made solutions (Dolphin, Aqualor, Rhinonorm, Aquamaris).
The best medicinal components for home washing are:
- decoctions of pharmaceutical herbs that have a bactericidal effect (chamomile, celandine, calendula flowers, St. John's wort);
- diluted propolis tincture;
- mixtures based on sea salt, soda and iodine.
To rinse with herbs, you do not need to achieve the strength of medicinal compositions. It is enough to add a teaspoon of dry raw material to 300 ml of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes and strain thoroughly.
The propolis solution for the procedure is prepared by adding 15 drops of tincture to 200 ml of liquid.
When making an alkaline wash, dissolve three drops of iodine and 1 tsp in 400 ml of water. soda and sea salt without top. To avoid excessive irritation of the mucous membrane, it is necessary to ensure that the concentration of medicinal components is low.
Methods for washing out mucus:
Before washing using the yoga method, you need to bend over the sink. Turn your head a little. Open your mouth slightly. Slowly pour the solution from the container into the upper nostril. Fluid should flow from the lower nostril. Turn your face the other way and repeat the rinsing.
The “nose to mouth” method will perfectly remove mucus in the nasopharynx, the cause of which is an inflammatory process in the throat. Raise your chin and open your mouth slightly. Pour a little solution into the nostril from any rinsing device. The liquid will begin to flow down the back wall of the pharynx, carrying with it the thick secretion and freeing the nasopharynx.
The “Muslim” method does not involve the use of any special vessels or devices. Lean forward. Scoop the liquid into your palm or bowl. One nostril should be closed and the other should be carefully sucked in the solution, which should be spit out after entering the throat.
Independent rinsing of the nasopharynx is a very responsible procedure that requires strict adherence to the rules:
- Use liquids that are slightly warm. The hot solution will burn the inflamed mucous membrane, which will lead to increased mucus secretion.
- Before the procedure, it is necessary to free the airways and sinuses from swelling and mucus by instilling any vasoconstrictor drops 10 minutes before rinsing. If manipulation is carried out with a stuffy nose, the accumulated secretion will inevitably lead to otitis media, since swelling and congestion interfere with the free passage of the solution and some of the liquid will enter the middle ear.
- You can rinse the nasopharynx up to four times a day. So that excess liquid has time to come out, the last rinsing is completed an hour before bedtime.
- There is no need to blow your nose frequently during the procedure. It takes time to soften the thick contents.
- After rinsing the nose, a small amount of mucus accumulates on the back wall of the throat. To completely remove it, at the end of the procedure you need to gargle with the same medicinal solution.
Washing is prohibited for persons with polyps, a deviated nasal septum, a tendency to epilepsy, or a predisposition to otitis media. The question of how to remove mucus from this category of patients is decided by a medical professional.
Thermal procedures are allowed only during the recovery stage in the absence of purulent discharge. During the procedure, the thick mucus in the nasopharynx softens and is easily removed. A warm compress applied to the face in the projection of the sinuses before going to bed is effective. For a compress it is good to use:
- honey;
- black radish juice mixed with warm oil;
- chopped baked onion;
- fir oil, added in the amount of three drops to vegetable fat.
The bandage with the medicinal product is covered with cotton wool, wax paper or a bag of heated coarse salt. Keep for at least an hour once a day.
Rubbing the sinuses of the nose, the anterior submandibular part of the neck, the frontal and parietal areas of the skull is carried out for five minutes a day. Massage activates metabolic processes and lymph circulation in tissues, stimulates the release of the nasopharynx and the regeneration of the mucous membrane. To facilitate movements, you can use honey mixed with fat.
Compresses, heating and massage are permissible only in the absence of fever.
Treatment with folk remedies can begin at the first sign of discomfort in the nasopharynx. Getting rid of mucus takes about two weeks. After symptomatic relief, the course of procedures cannot be stopped. If after seven days of home therapy the condition has not stabilized, self-medication should be stopped and you should seek help from an otolaryngologist.
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Source: http://lecheniegorla.ru/izbavitsya-ot-slizi-v-nosoglotke/
Mucus in the nasopharynx: accumulates and interferes with breathing. How to get rid of it?
The nose is one of the first to encounter various infectious agents, which is why mucus appears in the nasopharynx quite often.
In this way, the body protects itself from viruses and bacteria and prevents their penetration into the lower parts of the respiratory system.
But it’s one thing when the problem arises during the cold season and goes away within a week, and quite another when sputum in the nasopharynx is present for quite a long time and is not eliminated by any means. Indeed, in such cases it can be a sign of serious illness.
Accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx: causes
Abundant secretion of mucus is the body’s natural protective reaction to infection and the development of the inflammatory process. This may be the result of the influence of many different factors or a combination of them, including:
- hypothermia of the body, drinking excessively cold drinks, etc., which reduces local immunity and allows bacteria living on the surface of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and nose to actively multiply and thereby provoke the development of inflammation;
- allergic reaction to a particular substance;
- deviated nasal septum or formation of polyps;
- presence of esophageal diverticula;
- Sjogren's syndrome, accompanied by a decrease in the intensity of saliva production.
Most often patients are diagnosed with:
- adenoiditis - inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsil, which most often occurs in preschool children;
- sinusitis (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, sphenoiditis, ethmoiditis) - inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses;
- nasopharyngitis;
- candidiasis.
Also, the active production of mucous secretion is promoted by:
- smoking;
- constant stay in rooms with dry air, especially during the heating season;
- frequent consumption of too salty or spicy foods;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- fluctuations in the level of hormones in the blood, which is typical for pregnant women with endocrine pathologies;
- taking a number of medications.
Signs of mucus in the nasopharynx
In addition to the fact that the patient has the feeling that something is blocking the nasopharynx, his general condition often suffers greatly, the severity of which depends on whether bacteria, viruses or fungi provoked the inflammation.
It is worth noting that the feeling of mucus in the nasopharynx is often similar to the feeling of a lump in the throat.
For bacterial infections, usually caused by streptococci, staphylococci, less commonly meningococci and other microorganisms, a more severe and prolonged course is typical, and they may experience:
- decreased hearing and sense of smell;
- deterioration of attention and memory;
- temperature rise to high values;
- sore throat and constant desire to cough;
- repulsive odor from the mouth; enlarged lymph nodes;
- regular headaches.
One of the diagnostic signs is the nature of the mucus. She may be:
- cloudy but clear, which is a sign of a viral infection;
- green mucus from the nasopharynx with an unpleasant odor indicates the development of an acute bacterial infection;
- viscous yellow-green, replacing transparent or green, appears when the disease enters the final stage and the beginning of recovery;
- sticky, bitter, white, acrid and smells due to obvious impurities of pus - a sign of a purulent process that requires immediate medical attention.
Quite often the reason why mucus accumulates in the nasopharynx and interferes with breathing is smoking. In such situations, secretion with blood or black streaks may be observed, which is a consequence of drying out of the mucous membranes and the appearance of bleeding microcracks.
Nasopharyngeal mucus may be secreted constantly or only at certain times of the day. Usually it accumulates at night, which leads to snoring due to mucus, and in the morning there are clots of mucus in the nasopharynx.
Regardless of the origin of the existing disease of the nasopharynx, mucus flows down the back wall and causes coughing attacks.
If thick mucus forms in the nasopharynx and is not swallowed
If a lump in the nasopharynx does not clear up, and the ENT specialist does not notice any abnormalities, this may be evidence of the formation of diverticula. In such situations, the patient is referred for examination to a gastroenterologist.
If necessary, the doctor will perform a gastroscopy and accurately determine whether there are any disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and whether they could cause the disorder.
If the nasopharynx is clogged with mucus: treatment
The nature of treatment depends on what caused the development of the malaise and the presence of a number of aggravating circumstances, such as smoking, endocrine disorders, etc.
The sooner the patient seeks medical help after the first symptoms appear, the faster and easier it will be.
The doctor always determines how to treat the patient based on the existing symptoms and concomitant pathologies. Nevertheless, all patients without exception are recommended to regularly rinse the nasal cavity with saline solutions; this will help clear the nasopharynx of secretion accumulations, eliminate congestion and facilitate its removal.
How and with what to rinse the nasopharynx from mucus?
Saline solution can be purchased at a pharmacy (Dolphin, Aquamaris, Physiomer, No-sol, Aqualor and others), use saline solution, which is inexpensive, or prepare the necessary product yourself at home.
To do this, you need to dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of table or sea salt in boiled water.
Cleansing or rinsing the nasal cavity should be done at least 3 times a day. The solution must be passed through the nasopharynx to remove the maximum amount of secretion.
To do this, you should bend over the sink, but keep your head straight, open your mouth slightly and pour the prepared or purchased solution into one of the nostrils. If the procedure is performed correctly, it will pour out of the mouth. Repeat with the second nasal passage.
If there is a lot of mucus in the nasopharynx of an adult, treatment can be supplemented by adding a teaspoon of soda and a drop of iodine to the saline solution. The method will help reduce the amount of discharge and have a slight antibacterial effect.
Medications
For fungal infections, in particular for oral thrush, antifungal agents are used:
Bacterial infections are treated exclusively with antibiotics. The choice of a specific medication is made on the basis of bacteriological analysis by the doctor.
To cure the nasopharynx from mucus, the otolaryngologist may prescribe a medicine for local use (Bioparox spray, Polydexa, Isofra) or systemic antibiotics. As a rule, cephalosporins are preferred.
Also, in severe cases of the disease, local corticosteroids (Nasonex, Beconase, Flixonase, etc.) are used. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
Patients can also resort to inhalation with a nebulizer to remove excess secretions. It is allowed to independently manipulate only saline solutions.
To remove the viscous mucus that collects in the throat, phlegm thinners are sometimes used: Ambroxol, Lazolvan, ACC, etc. They can be used in oral forms or as an inhalation solution.
The latter option is preferable, since in this case the active ingredients of the medications act directly in the right place and at the same time cause fewer side effects.
How to remove mucus from the nasopharynx using folk remedies
You should not use folk remedies without the doctor’s permission, since in certain situations they can only provoke a worsening of the patient’s condition. The most common ones include:
Mucus flows down the back wall of the nasopharynx treatment
Often, increased formation of mucous secretion is observed in various rhinopharyngitis and similar pathologies. Also, mucus freely flows down the back wall with adenoiditis, but this disease is most typical for preschool children.
To remove secretions and eliminate pathogenic microflora in otolaryngology, gargling with antiseptic solutions is often used:
For some, this procedure is quite unpleasant, but the benefits are enormous. The solution not only washes away mucous secretions, but also has a bactericidal effect on pathogens of the inflammatory process.
It is recommended to do it after meals 2-3 times a day. For one session you will need about a glass of liquid diluted, according to the instructions.
After it, it is not recommended to drink, eat, or smoke for 20–30 minutes. The last session is held at night.
Mucus along the back wall of the nasopharynx treatment in a child. What to do?
With it, a lot of mucus accumulates in the nasopharynx, which flows freely down the back wall. The child snores at night and often coughs from mucus when secretions get into the throat.
Frequent relapses are typical for the pathology, especially in autumn and spring. The disease should be treated exclusively under the supervision of a highly qualified otolaryngologist.
In most cases, when starting therapy in the early stages, it is possible to preserve the pharyngeal tonsil and cope with the problem using conservative methods. In severe cases, it is often necessary to remove the adenoids surgically.
Constant therapy and attention to the child’s health leads to recovery. And over time, doctors say that the baby has “outgrown” the disease, usually this happens by 6–7 years.
Mucus in a newborn's nasopharynx
It is typical for newborn children to have large amounts of mucus in the nasal cavity. This is a way for the baby to adapt to new living conditions.
Since such babies do not yet know how to blow their nose and spend most of their time in a horizontal position, all the mucus in the infant goes into the nasopharynx.
To remove it, pediatricians recommend using special aspirators or small rubber bulbs with soft tips and instilling 2-3 drops of saline solution into each nasal passage.
Otherwise, it is better to let everything take its course; by 2–2.5 months, there will be no trace left of the physiological runny nose of newborns.
However, in any case, if a baby has any kind of discharge, it must be shown to a pediatrician so that the specialist can determine exactly where the secretion comes from, and the parents do not miss the onset of acute respiratory infections.
Mucus in the nasopharynx during pregnancy
Since during pregnancy a colossal hormonal change occurs in the body, women often experience so-called pregnant rhinitis. With it, mucus often flows down the nasopharynx.
In such situations, doctors recommend just being patient and rinsing with saline solutions. And if the problem is severe, in rare cases it is permissible to use light vasoconstrictor drops in a pediatric dosage.
Questions for the doctor
What tests need to be taken?
To accurately determine what caused the disorder, it is necessary to make a smear from the surface of the mucous membrane and send it for bacteriological examination.
Only this method will allow you to find out exactly which microorganisms provoked the development of inflammation, and will show which drugs they are hypersensitive to.
This will allow you to select the optimal treatment tactics and eliminate the problem as soon as possible.
Technique for collecting mucus from the nasopharynx for meningococcus
A smear is taken on an empty stomach before brushing your teeth and without starting a course of antibiotic therapy. The patient's tongue is pressed with a sterile spatula, and a tampon is inserted into the nasopharynx, without touching the teeth and tongue. They pass it over the surface of the mucous membrane 2–3 times, collecting secretions. The swab is removed and cultured on a nutrient medium.
Prevention
You can avoid the problem if you lead a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking, and make sure that the optimal level of humidity is maintained in the house. It will not be superfluous to cleanse the body of toxins by following the rules of a balanced diet.
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Specialty: Otorhinolaryngologist Work experience: 12 years
Specialty: Otorhinolaryngologist Work experience: 8 years
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Causes of mucus in the nasopharynx and how to get rid of it
Otolaryngologists quite often hear from their patients complaints about the sensation of a lump or accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx. Patients are bothered by a sore throat, they have to constantly cough, but even a cough is not able to cope with the unpleasant, sometimes disgusting sensations.
As a result, people see no other option but to consult a doctor for help.
Causes of mucus in the nasopharynx
Medicine knows many reasons for mucus in the nasopharynx. When visiting a medical facility, the doctor will prescribe the patient a series of laboratory tests, an X-ray examination of the esophagus, an endoscopic examination of the stomach and esophagus, based on which he will determine the source of the pathogen and prescribe appropriate measures to eliminate the unpleasant sensation of mucus in the throat.
The most common causes of mucus accumulations are:
- viral diseases (ARVI, etc.);
- diseases of a bacterial nature (infection with staphylococcus, streptococcus, etc.);
- allergic reactions to pollen, dust, but more often to dairy products;
- pregnancy;
- taking certain medications;
- deviated nasal septum;
- postnasal drip, in which mucus, due to some reasons, flows into the throat from the nasopharynx;
- polyps in the nasopharynx;
- mouth breathing;
- Sjogren's syndrome, in which there is a decrease in the amount of saliva produced;
- Zenker's diverticulum, during which food accumulates in a special “pocket” of the esophagus;
- dehydration, etc.
“High temperature, stings the nasopharynx, mucus interferes with normal life” - the doctor also often hears these and other complaints from his patients. In this situation, it is important to find the real cause of the unpleasant symptom and relieve the person of discomfort.
How does mucus appear in the throat?
Epithelium is the top layer of cells that lines the pharynx. These cells tend to produce mucus, which is a viscous, transparent substance endowed with many useful functions. Constantly produced in the bronchi, trachea, nose, pharynx, mucus envelops these organs and protects them from drying out, prevents microbes and bacteria from penetrating into the body, is a unique habitat for some beneficial microorganisms, keeps the immune system in good shape, etc. .
Why does there sometimes become a lot of discharge? When foreign bodies — microbes, allergens and other substances — enter the body, the respiratory system is instantly activated and begins to fight “uninvited guests.” The brain gives a signal to produce more mucus, and therefore, a person feels that the discharge literally envelops the nasopharynx, forms a lump in the throat and interferes with normal breathing.
Removing mucus from the nasopharynx
How to remove mucus from the nasopharynx when there is too much discharge and it disrupts a comfortable existence? First you need to establish the reason for the appearance of a large amount of mucus. This can only be done by an experienced doctor.
The most common methods of treating the patient are the following procedures:
- taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Strepsils, Septolete, Yox, etc.;
- taking antihistamines if the appearance of mucus is caused by an allergic reaction;
- taking antiseptic drugs;
- taking antibacterial agents, for example, IRS-19;
- taking homeopathic medicines, for example, Tonsilotren, Lymphomyosot;
- gargling;
- inhalation;
- drinking large amounts of liquid;
- exclusion of spicy, fatty, dairy products from the diet;
- steam treatment;
- avoid smoking, etc.
You can get rid of mucus in the nasopharynx using these effective methods, most of which give positive results after 1-2 uses. Often, complex treatment is used, which includes taking medications, rinsing, and inhalations. The effect of such treatment is achieved much faster than from using only rinses or just eliminating spicy foods.
Medicines should be taken only after they have been prescribed by a doctor. You should not self-medicate if the cause of the illness is unknown. Not only fast, but also high-quality help is important here.
How does mucus get into the throat?
Why does mucus drain from the nasopharynx into the throat? Otolaryngologists often hear this question from their patients. This often occurs in adults and children with rhinitis, a disease in which the source of inflammation is localized either in the far part of the nasal cavity or in the upper part of the pharynx itself.
When a person is in a supine position during sleep, the secretions formed precisely during posterior rhinitis flow into the throat, thereby irritating the mucous membranes of the pharynx and causing the person to cough.
Washing and rinsing the nasopharynx with mucus
One of the most effective and fastest ways to get rid of mucus in the nasopharynx is rinsing. Before proceeding directly to rinsing, it is recommended to take a steam bath for your face. This procedure will make the mucus more liquid, and it will easily come out of the nasopharynx.
How to rinse the nasopharynx from mucus after such a bath? To prepare a bath, you can use a hot potato decoction or herbal decoctions - nettle, sage, young dill, mint, etc. It is necessary to slowly inhale such steam for 20 minutes, first through the nose, then through the mouth, then through the nose again.
After completing the procedure, you need to pour half a liter of warm water into the kettle and throw in coarse salt - about 2 tablespoons, dissolve it. Then you should put a regular baby pacifier on the spout of the kettle, in which a hole with a diameter of 4-5 mm is made. This will protect the nasopharyngeal mucosa from possible burns.
To rinse, you need to bend over a sink or bathtub, insert a pacifier into the nostril that is freer from mucus and start pouring saline solution into it. The head should be slightly tilted to one side so that the solution can pour out of the other nostril. During the procedure you need to breathe through your mouth. If water gets into your mouth, you should lean forward. After rinsing one nostril, you need to blow your nose well and then proceed to rinse the other nostril.
If there is mucus in the nasopharynx, how to get rid of it by rinsing? It’s very simple: you need to take a little saline solution into your mouth (the proportions are the same as for rinsing), gargle for 20 seconds and spit out the liquid. Repeat the procedure approximately once in the morning and evening after brushing your teeth.
You should not ignore such a seemingly insignificant symptom as the abundant appearance of mucus. It is necessary to seek qualified help from a doctor who will prescribe appropriate treatment and relieve discomfort.
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Why does mucus flow down the back wall of the nasopharynx?
Where does nasopharyngeal discharge come from? Why does mucus accumulate in the nasopharynx? A runny nose, apart from discomfort for the patient, does not cause any other concerns. It is considered normal for a healthy person when his body produces a small amount of mucus. But sometimes it flows down the back wall of the nasopharynx in large quantities. To avoid chronic inflammation, you should consult a doctor immediately after the appearance of this symptom of the disease.
Snot is thick, infected mucus that drains from the nose. When this secretion gets into the larynx, most often it is an inflammatory process. But the reasons for its appearance may lie in other things.
Since the patient’s organs of touch, smell, hearing and even memory may be impaired, when the first signs of congestion appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor to understand how to remove mucus from the nasopharynx.
Why does mucus drain down the back of the throat?
On the mucous membrane of any person there is a membrane that accumulates mucus flowing from the nose. When bacteria, dust and other substances enter the respiratory sinuses, this film begins to fight to eliminate them, and mucus rolls down the back of the throat.
In fact, snot constantly flows down the wall of the nose, but if a person is completely healthy, then he does not feel this phenomenon. When it comes to complicated conditions, mucus begins to be produced and accumulates in large quantities, and therefore it is very difficult not to notice it. As the amount increases, bacteria, particles of harmful substances and fungi multiply in the sputum. It is at this time that the patient feels something viscous flowing down his throat.
Causes of mucus accumulation in the nasopharynx
The reasons for mucus draining into the larynx can be different: infectious and not related to any diseases. But the most common factors in the formation of this liquid are the following:
- Viruses that, when ingested, cause an inflammatory process. Initially, when snot forms in the throat, it is transparent, but after a few days it becomes greenish in color.
- A bacterial infection also causes an inflammatory process, regardless of the type of parasite that caused it. Snot in the nasopharynx can have a different shade, from light yellow to greenish.
- Breathing with your mouth open in the cold.
- Hormonal changes may be the reason why snot flows down the back of the larynx. This phenomenon is often observed during pregnancy and adolescence.
- Injuries lead to constant drainage of snot from the patient’s nose.
- Fungus proliferation. Normally, parasites live in a person’s mouth, but under provoking factors they begin to multiply, causing discomfort to the patient. The accumulated secretion can be of different shades: from curdled to dark.
- Tumors are accompanied by constant flow of mucus into the mouth, although the nose continues to breathe normally.
- The allergy is characterized by clear and liquid snot that flows down the nasopharynx directly into the patient’s mouth. Most often this phenomenon occurs in the off-season.
Also, snot flows down the back wall if the patient has rhinitis caused by prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drops, to which an addiction has developed. This symptom is also characteristic of external irritants, such as dust.
Snot along the back wall of the larynx can drain in a newborn baby as a physiological process due to the narrow nasal passage. This phenomenon is possible due to the fact that the baby does not know how to blow his nose.
Why is thick mucus in the nasopharynx dangerous?
Often, after suffering a viral illness, patients complain that snot is running down the back wall, not understanding whether this is residual discharge or a symptom of a new pathology. There is no need to think and guess - it is better to consult a doctor and find out the reasons for this symptom.
Postnasal drip is a period in which snot in the throat persists for some time after suffering from a respiratory tract disease. A residual cough can provoke its development. The patient constantly wants to cough up the congestion, but this does not always work. With this phenomenon, snot in the throat is swallowed during the day, but at night it causes a lot of discomfort.
If snot and a feeling of congestion constantly accumulate between your nose and throat, you need to think about your health, maybe you have some kind of diagnosis, and not residual discharge. Common diseases that have mucus in the throat as a symptom include:
- diagnoses of sinuses (sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis), in which snot flows into the throat and does not settle in the nose;
- pathologies of the larynx (laryngitis, bronchitis);
- diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, pharyngitis).
Very often, adults do not expectorate mucus; the reasons must be sought immediately to avoid inflammation. Many people experience snot in the throat; sometimes there is no need to worry about this, since they can become sore for harmless reasons.
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Causes of mucus from the nasopharynx
In the mucous membrane of the throat and nasal cavity there are glands (goblet cells) that produce a viscous secretion. It moisturizes the inner surface of the respiratory tract and helps remove dust particles, allergens, viruses, microbes, etc. from the respiratory tract. If mucus accumulates in the nasopharynx in moderate quantities, this is considered normal. Copious production and flow of sputum down the back of the throat is a deviation.
The causes of excessive fluid formation in the nasal cavity and throat most often lie in allergic or infectious inflammation of the mucous membranes. The flow of viscous secretions down the walls of the pharynx is called postnasal drip. Mucus accumulating in the respiratory tract irritates cough receptors and therefore often causes paroxysmal coughing. The article will discuss the features and key causes of the development of the disease.
Postnasal drip - what is it?
Postnasal drip is the flow of mucus along the back wall of the hypopharynx, provoked by inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity and throat. The mucous discharge penetrates into the lower parts of the respiratory tract, simultaneously irritating the cough receptors located in the respiratory tract. In this regard, patients quite often experience paroxysmal and sometimes spasmodic cough.
The reasons for the development of ENT diseases can be very diverse. However, excess production of viscous secretions in the respiratory tract is associated with an increase in the secretory function of goblet cells. Inflammation of an allergic or infectious nature can provoke hypersecretion of sputum. Most often, the development of postnasal drip is preceded by:
sinusitis; infectious rhinitis; hay fever; adenoiditis; unfavorable environment.
Untimely treatment of postnasal drip is fraught with the development of degenerative processes in the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx.
Sometimes the reasons for the flow of nasopharyngeal mucus into the underlying parts of the respiratory tract lie in the abnormal development of the ENT organs. In particular, a deviated nasal septum entails a violation of aerodynamics in the nasal cavity. In this regard, mucus begins to be evacuated from the nasopharynx not through the nasal canals, but through the laryngopharynx.
Causes
To cure postnasal drip syndrome, you need to find out why mucus flows down the back wall of the nasopharynx. Pathology does not always develop against the background of respiratory diseases. Sometimes sputum begins to accumulate in the upper parts of the respiratory system due to the adverse effects of exogenous factors.
Infectious runny nose
Infectious runny nose (rhinitis) is a disease characterized by bacterial, viral or fungal inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity. Rhinitis accompanies the development of many respiratory diseases - nasopharyngitis, influenza, adenoiditis, sinusitis, etc. Thick mucus in the nasopharynx begins to accumulate due to swelling and inflammation of the airways. In this regard, when the patient assumes a horizontal body position, it begins to flow into the laryngopharynx along the walls of the respiratory tract.
To restore the patency of the nasal passages and the natural process of evacuation of nasal fluid, it is necessary to eliminate inflammation in the nasal cavity. For this, vasoconstrictors, saline solutions for rinsing the nose and local antiseptics are usually used. If the causes of inflammation of the ENT organs are not eliminated, this can subsequently lead to the disease becoming chronic.
The development of a chronic runny nose increases the likelihood of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and the occurrence of sinusitis.
Bacterial sinusitis
Sinusitis is an acute or indolent inflammation of one or more paranasal sinuses (sinuses). Due to swelling of the soft tissues in the nasal cavity, the process of sputum evacuation through the nasal passages is disrupted. Therefore, with the development of sinusitis and frontal sinusitis, thick secretions from the nasopharynx flow into the laryngopharynx, as a result of which the patient develops a cough.
The greatest health hazard is bacterial sinusitis, as the microbial flora multiplies very quickly. The purulent exudate formed in the paranasal sinuses can penetrate into neighboring tissues and provoke complications - meningitis, otitis media, brain abscess, etc. The following symptoms may indicate the development of the disease:
pressure in the maxillary and frontal sinuses; difficulty breathing through the nose; coughing up mucus mixed with pus; foul odor from the nose; elevated temperature.
During the hours when a person sleeps, mucus accumulates in the nasopharynx. Therefore, in the morning, immediately after waking up, the patient may experience a severe cough caused by the flow of copious amounts of viscous secretion through the respiratory tract.
Adenoiditis
Adenoiditis is an infectious disease caused by inflammation of the hypertrophied (enlarged) nasopharyngeal tonsil. Most often, the disease develops in children under 12 years of age. Inflamed adenoids in the nasopharynx prevent normal breathing and the outflow of mucus through the nasal canals. Therefore, the mucus drains directly into the laryngopharynx, provoking a spasmodic cough in the little patient.
Chronic dry cough and constant breathing through the mouth are typical manifestations of adenoiditis in children.
It should be understood that the respiratory tract contains many opportunistic microorganisms, in particular fungi and bacteria. Untimely relief of inflammation in the adenoids can provoke serious complications and the formation of purulent exudate in the nasal cavity.
Pharyngitis
A common cause of postnasal drip syndrome is pharyngitis. The disease is characterized by inflammation of the lymphoid tissues in the hypopharynx, which stimulates the activity of single-celled glands in the mucous membranes. The development of pharyngitis can be provoked by:
inhalation of polluted air; thermal and chemical burns of the mucous membrane; dental diseases; decreased local immunity; endocrine pathologies.
Most often, pharyngitis develops against the background of bacterial sinusitis, runny nose and dental caries.
The development of the disease is most often indicated by pain and rawness in the throat, painful swallowing, enlarged submandibular lymph nodes and fever. If pharyngitis develops against the background of other respiratory infections, the symptomatic picture is supplemented by lacrimation, sneezing, spasmodic cough, etc. The cause of mucus running down the throat is inflammation in the laryngopharynx mucosa. To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, it is recommended to treat the throat mucosa with antiseptic and wound-healing sprays.
Unfavorable environment
Unfavorable environmental conditions can trigger the development of postnasal drip. Over the past 10 years, the incidence of respiratory disease has increased 3 times. Otolaryngologists are confident that the culprit is excessive air pollution and climate change.
Allergens, exhaust gases, dust and other irritating substances contained in the air negatively affect the condition of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Subsequent inflammation of the ENT organs inevitably leads to increased activity of goblet cells and, as a consequence, excess production of sputum. If the nasopharynx is clogged with mucus, sooner or later this will lead to the development of postnasal drip.
To reduce the likelihood of developing respiratory diseases, experts recommend rinsing the nasal cavity with isotonic solutions at least 2-3 times a week. They will clear the airways of allergens and dust and prevent inflammation of soft tissues.
Bad habits
Most heavy smokers develop viscous mucus in the nasopharynx. The fact is that tobacco smoke contains tars that settle on the inner surface of the respiratory tract. To clear the respiratory tract of foreign objects, goblet cells begin to produce mucus.
Tobacco smoking leads to a decrease in local immunity in the respiratory organs, which increases the risk of developing respiratory infections.
The resins contained in tobacco smog glue small cilia on the surface of the ciliated epithelium, which take part in transporting viscous secretions to the nasal passages. For this reason, mucus accumulates in the airways, and then flows down the respiratory tract into the trachea and bronchi.
Conclusion
The accumulation and flow of viscous secretion along the back wall of the throat is associated with inflammation of the mucous membranes. Pathological reactions in tissues stimulate the activity of single-celled glands in the respiratory tract, which begin to produce large amounts of mucus. Due to inflammation and swelling of the nasal canals, it begins to flow down the walls of the laryngopharynx, causing a cough reaction in patients.
Postnasal drip occurs as a complication of certain allergic (allergic rhinitis) and infectious (pharyngitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis) diseases. Inflammation in the respiratory tract can be provoked by unfavorable exogenous factors - polluted air, tobacco smoking, etc. In rare cases, the disease develops due to an abnormal structure of the nasal septum or injury.
Mucus in the nasopharynx is an unpleasant phenomenon that most often appears during illness or immediately after. What are the reasons for this and what to do in this case? Let's figure it out.
The main function of the nasopharynx is to cleanse, humidify and warm the air we breathe. Of course, this organ is responsible for the perception of smells and tastes. To moisturize the respiratory tract and keep it clean, the body produces special mucus - about 2 liters daily. In a healthy person, the mucus produced slowly goes to the end of the nasopharynx and is swallowed unconsciously - this is a normal physiological process regulated by the body's systems.
During viral or colds, dysfunction of the mucus production system is observed - there is too much of it, it accumulates in the nasopharynx and, when it gets into the throat or mouth, the excess mucus causes a gag reflex. The problem causes a lot of inconvenience, but it can be eliminated by understanding the causes and methods of treatment.
Most often, pharyngitis develops against the background of bacterial sinusitis, runny nose and dental caries.
The development of the disease is most often indicated by pain and rawness in the throat, painful swallowing, enlarged submandibular lymph nodes and fever. If pharyngitis develops against the background of other respiratory infections, the symptomatic picture is supplemented by lacrimation, sneezing, spasmodic cough, etc. The cause of mucus running down the throat is inflammation in the laryngopharynx mucosa. To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, it is recommended to treat the throat mucosa with antiseptic and wound-healing sprays.
Unfavorable environment
Unfavorable environmental conditions can trigger the development of postnasal drip. Over the past 10 years, the incidence of respiratory disease has increased 3 times. Otolaryngologists are confident that the culprit is excessive air pollution and climate change.
Allergens, exhaust gases, dust and other irritating substances contained in the air negatively affect the condition of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Subsequent inflammation of the ENT organs inevitably leads to increased activity of goblet cells and, as a consequence, excess production of sputum. If the nasopharynx is clogged with mucus, sooner or later this will lead to the development of postnasal drip.
People use their life experience, ask relatives, friends and neighbors, watch TV, read magazines (and popular ones, because medical stuff is not so easy to understand), and look for the necessary information on the Internet.
It must be said that sometimes such decisions are quite acceptable, but sometimes they can be considered complete irresponsibility and negligent attitude towards one’s health. Moreover, in the second case, these may be diseases or conditions that, at first glance, do not represent anything complicated. Accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx is precisely such “simple”, at first glance, conditions.
A little about mucous membranes and mucus
What is the nasopharynx? In short, this is part of the human respiratory tract, and the nasopharynx is covered with mucous membrane. The mucous membrane, or simply mucosa, lines the inside of hollow organs, which somehow communicate with the external environment, that is, which can somehow be “reached” from the outside.
It is the mucous membrane that covers the internal surfaces of the eyelids, respiratory organs (including the nasopharynx), and organs of the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system, urinary and reproductive systems.
Of course, all these organs and systems are different and perform different functions, but nature decided to protect them from negative influences precisely by the mucous membranes, which in any case and with all their differences have something in common - the mucous membranes are normally covered with a layer of mucus, which is secreted by special cells . That is, mucus is a special secret that performs very specific functions in the body, among which the function of protection against external invasions of infections, viruses, bacteria and any other pathogenic microorganisms is very important.
The same thing happens with the nasopharynx. The inside of the nasopharynx is always lined with moist mucous membranes, covered with a special secretion - mucus. With a healthy mucous membrane, the release of this secretion does not cause any discomfort, however, when harmful microorganisms enter the body through the nasopharynx, the mucus begins to perform its protective functions, that is, to “catch”, for example, viruses (but this can be anything that is in the body shouldn't).
It is clear that in this case the volume of mucus increases, and the increased volume of mucus begins to interfere. That is, the accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx and the flow of mucus along the wall of the nasopharynx indicates that the mucous membranes of this organ protect the body from some danger. The question is, from which one?
Nasopharyngeal problems
So, it is clear that mucus in the nasopharynx is a reaction to microorganisms that have entered from outside. And there can be many such microorganisms, and they are completely different, cause different consequences and are capable of providing a weakened body with a variety of acute and chronic diseases.
Yes, many are interested in the question of how to cure the accumulation and drainage of mucus in the nasopharynx, but how many know what caused this condition? An increase in the amount of mucous secretion and a change in its consistency is caused by what? Virus? Bacteria? Which ones exactly? But even schoolchildren are aware that bacteria and viruses react to different drugs and different treatments.
How can you treat mucus in the nasopharynx if you don’t understand where this mucus (more precisely, its excess) came from? From here the only possible conclusion is that you will have to visit a doctor. In order to treat something, we need to understand what exactly we are treating. In this case, only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
The main reasons for the increase in the amount of mucus in the nasopharynx
A very common reason for an increase in the amount of mucus in the nasopharynx is an acute respiratory disease, which everyone knows as acute respiratory infections and which has long been almost ignored. This could be an acute respiratory viral infection, the so-called acute respiratory viral infection, or many other diseases that only a doctor can determine.
Amateur action in this case is inappropriate, since a disease that is not treated correctly can become chronic or cause complications, which, as a rule, are much more severe and complex than the original disease. Here it is appropriate to remember sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, and other “joys”.
Yes, you can call the company’s management and ask for a couple of days “without sick leave.” But is it worth doing? Who can be sure that a complication will not affect him?
The main and most correct advice for excessive accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx is to immediately consult a doctor.
Another reason for the accumulation of excess mucus in the nasopharynx is called allergic rhinitis, simply an allergic runny nose. Of course, there are cases when the cause of allergic rhinitis is known: for example, a specific allergen. But only a qualified doctor can identify such an allergen.
In addition, an allergic runny nose can also appear as a reaction not to seasonal irritants (plant pollen), but to something else. For what exactly? This is where a specialist is needed, because there are hundreds of known allergens, and these are just the common ones. Someone will decide to simply swallow antiallergic drugs.
Maybe in the case of hay fever (already diagnosed) this makes sense, because the flowering season of any plant will eventually end. What if it’s something else and some other actions are needed? In a word, even in the case of allergic rhinitis, you need to consult a doctor.
The third common cause of excessive formation and accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx is dry air. At first glance, this may seem strange, but everything is correct - when the air is too dry, the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx dry out and the body begins to protect them, increasing the production of secretions.
Of course, in this case, you can deal with the problem yourself - buy an air humidifier, humidify the air by placing containers of water, or do something else. But how can we determine that it is dry air and not a virus, for example?
The conclusion suggests itself - if mucus in the nasopharynx bothers you, you need to visit a doctor to determine the cause and, accordingly, for treatment. And it’s good if everything can be explained simply by dry air.
How to help yourself with excess mucus in the nasopharynx?
Even if no one tries to get out of visiting a doctor, then before going to the clinic you need to somehow alleviate your condition. Since there is no diagnosis yet and it is not yet possible to treat the cause, it is necessary to influence the symptoms in order to somehow alleviate them. What can I recommend here?
Firstly, inhalations (with potatoes, soda, herbs), and secondly, rinsing the nasopharynx with saline solution. Regarding herbal decoctions and infusions, we can say the following: herbs can be very powerful remedies, so it is better to refrain from using herbs for treatment until a diagnosis is made. Unless you can make a chamomile infusion.
Sometimes it is advised to rinse the nasal cavity with laundry soap, drip beet or carrot juice into the nose, drip with onion or garlic juice... But it would be better to wait with any instillation until a diagnosis is made. Tell me, why injure the nasopharyngeal mucosa with onion juice if it turns out that it is allergic rhinitis? So, before visiting a doctor, it is better to limit yourself to simply washing with saline solution. In any case, it is better not to postpone visiting the clinic.
Among other things, in this condition you need to drink more - warm water, warm compote or fruit drink, heated (at least not cold) natural juices, to which you are definitely not allergic, weak sai with lemon. Please note: the drink should be warm, but not hot, since hot liquid can further injure the already inflamed mucous membrane of the pharynx.
You don’t need to drink a large mug of liquid at once, it’s better to take a few sips, but more often.
Drawing conclusions
It would seem that the problem is mucus in the nasopharynx. However, the problem can be of any complexity, even requiring surgical intervention. And you need to understand well that this is exactly the case when it is better not to do without a doctor, since doing it on your own can be very expensive.
Well, and, of course, if everything works out and the condition returns to normal, then you should think carefully about a healthy lifestyle. After all, with a healthy lifestyle, the body is better able to resist any infections, any bacteria and viruses, and also overcomes all diseases faster and easier.