Flu and allergy season is an easy time to get a cough. In most situations, these coughs tend to go away after a short while but sometimes they do persist due to the fact that they are caused by respiratory infections. The thing is that respiratory infections are not the only cause of chronic coughs, you can also count post-nasal with it. Let’s see what causes post nasal drip and why it gives you a persistent cough.
For same-day general illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our medical team is available to treat your cough seven days a week with no appointment required– just walk-in!
Post-Nasal Drip: Root Cause and Symptoms
What’s known as post-nasal drip is a phenomenon whereby excess mucus gathers due to overproduction and inflammation in the nasal passages and then this mucus drips back down the throat, creating a tickle in the throat. This tickle sensation can inflame the throat and induce serious coughing.
Common Causes of Post-Nasal Drip:
- Sinus infections
- Dry and cold weather
- Moving up to high altitudes quickly
- Bacterial infection of the mucus lining
- Allergies from pet dander and pollen
- Deviated septum
- Presence of a foreign object lodged in the nose
- Pneumonia
- The flu
- Common cold
Symptoms of Post-Nasal Drip
These are some accompanying symptoms that your body will show because of post-nasal drip:
- Itchy or scratchy throat
- Persistent coughs
- Bad breath
- Sore throat
- Mucus sensation at the back of your throat
- Frequent swallowing in the initial stages
- Swollen neck glands
- Lumpy sensation in the truth and the desire to clear it
- Lack of taste and smell in food
- Ear infections
- Sensitivity to bright lights
Difference in Cough Caused By Post-Nasal Drip and Other Respiratory Infections
Post-nasal drip shares similar effects with other respiratory infections because it is often a symptom of the infection. But some slight differences will tell if the post-nasal drip has instigated an infection or not, such as:
- Not all respiratory infections cause a sore throat
- Some respiratory infections cause dry coughs, unlike post-nasal drip
- No swollen neck glands in most other infections
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
How To Treat Post-Nasal Drip
1. By Fixing a Deviated Septum
Having a deviated septum causes a backlog of mucus to slowly build up and drip down into the throat, causing one to cough consistently. Due to the fact that it is a structural issue with the nose, there isn’t any amount of medication that will solve the issue. Rather what the affected needs is a surgery on the deviated septum called septoplasty to fix it.
2. Antibiotics
Post-nasal drip is caused by a lot of bacteria that infiltrates the nose or sinuses and antibiotics are a good way to take care of any such infection before it further progresses.
3. Nasal Decongestants
The overproduction and overloading of the nose with mucus is what normally causes the drip, and a sure way to ensure that this doesn't; happen is by quickly using nasal decongestants at any hint of a cold or pneumonia. It will help reduce inflammation and relieve the nose, reducing the risk of it dripping into the throat.
4. Reducing Your Intake of Caffeine
Caffeine and alcohol have been known to disrupt the normal mucus production of the body, increasing the risk of post-nasal drip. Heavy consumption of these substances can even go as far as to weaken the immune system, allowing infections to set in and for post-nasal drip to occur.
5. Stay Away From Allergens and Toxic Chemicals
Allergens cause irritations that can induce the drip and exposure to toxic chemicals like chlorine damage the mucus lining of the nose, heightening the creation of mucus and facilitating intense coughing.
Apart from staying away from toxic fumes and cigarettes, you can also soothe your throat by drinking some warm water or hot fluids rich in ginger and lemon. But even despite all these, the coughing continues, then you’ll need to ‘book an appointment’ with urgent care.
Get Walk-In Cough Treatment at AFC Urgent Care West Orange
A cough is a common symptom of many illnesses and conditions. While most coughs can be managed with rest and over-the-counter remedies, it's important to know when to seek professional medical help. If you experience symptoms that are unusually severe or symptoms that last longer than a week without improvement, it’s time to visit an urgent care center. At AFC Urgent Care West Orange, your health is our top priority. We can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan the best treatment possible all on a walk-in basis.
You can visit us any day during the week, including our convenient evening and weekend hours. For more information about cough treatment, or other services we provide, please call to speak with one of our medical professionals at (973) 669-5900.
