Post Nasal Drip – What Causes It?

Do you always feel like you need to clear your throat? Do you have a nagging cough with no other real symptoms? It could be that you’re dealing with post nasal drip.

Post nasal drip is caused when special glands in our nose and throat get a little (or a lot) out of control, in the mucus production department. Normally, that mucus works to help us. It traps germs and other stuff that can make us sick, if it makes its way inside our bodies. Even though we make a lot of mucus, most of the time, it’s so thin and watery that we don’t pay it any attention. But if we produce too much mucus, or if it’s really thick, we start to notice it.

So, lots of times, it’s extra–or extra-thick–mucus that leads to post nasal drip. But what sends our nose and throat’s mucus factories into overdrive?

Here are some things that can cause us to make more mucus than we need, or mucus that’s thicker than it should be (1):

• colds
• allergies
• flu virus
• sinus infections
• certain foods (for example, milk products and spicy foods can cause thicker mucus production)
• certain medications (including some blood pressure medicines and birth control pills)
• pregnancy
• extreme cold temperatures (and really dry air)

Irritants–like smoke, perfumes and pollution–can cause us to make more mucus, too.

Remember though, there are other things to consider. When it comes to a chronic need to clear your throat or a nagging cough, the problem might not be related to the amount or thickness of mucus your body is making.

Not being able to effectively clear away the mucus can also be a big source of trouble. It can cause you to have symptoms that can seem like post nasal drip, but are not. If you have trouble swallowing, you may also be dealing with issues like gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or a blockage in your esophagus (1). Take care of yourself–speak with your health care provider and, when in doubt, get checked out.

If you’re suffering from post nasal drip and you’re ready to get relief, join the others who have found a simple, easy solution.

Click here to see how former sinus sufferers put an end to the mucus-making marathon.