Post-Nasal Drip Causes

Post-nasal drip or PND appears when there is too much mucus. Mucus is the slimy secretion produced by the sinuses which is essential in carrying out lubrication of nasal membranes, fights infection, and traps and eradicates foreign substances. Think of it as dripping mucus at the back of your throat. The excess mucus drains in the throat and accumulates at the back of the tongue and nasal passage.

Varying on every person, here are some conditions that can affect on the fluidity of mucus and which causes build up or excessively thin secretions:

Infections - High fever or influenza may be the reason for excessive mucus.

Allergies - Inhaled irritants like dust, animal hairs and pollens are just a few of allergens causing too much secretion of mucus.

Pregnancy and birth control agents - Extreme hormonal changes as caused either by pregnancy or intake of birth control pills may also trigger extreme mucus discharge.

Dry air and temperature - A dry climate, low humidity and cold temperature also contribute to the development of tremendous mucus secretion. It is also a reason why post-nasal drip is considered as a seasonal condition.

Food choices - Eating spicy foods as well as consuming a lot of dairy products contributes to fast accumulation of mucus at the back of the throat and the tongue. This is because the protein and acid content of these products feeds the anaerobic bacteria living beneath the surface of the tongue and at the back of your throat.

A structural abnormality - Deviated septum or enlarged nasal turbinate (the structures on the side walls of the nasal cavity which regulate and humidify airflow) prevents normal drainage from the sinuses and contribute to the development of chronic sinusitis.

In certain cases, no specific source can be found for post-nasal drip. Consideration is usually directed to thinning discharge so they can pass more easily. This mainly applies for the elderly, who often have inadequate fluid ingestion.



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