There is nothing worse than waking up with a dry and sore throat. Unfortunately, a common cold or a bout of the flu isn’t the only cause. A dry and sore throat, amongst other symptoms, could indicate that you might have post-nasal drip.
If you want more information on post-nasal drips, you’re in the right place, as we’ve answered some of the commonly asked questions in this blog of face by fisher.
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What Exactly Is Post-Nasal Drip?
It is normal for your nose and throat to produce at least two quarts of mucus daily. This mucus helps moisturize and clean the nasal lining, trap unwanted dirt and bacteria, and fight infections. However, when an excess of mucus forms and drips down the back of your throat, this is known as post-nasal drip. If left unchecked, post-nasal drip can lead to more chronic conditions.
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What Are the Symptoms of Post-Nasal Drip?
You may be experiencing post-nasal drip if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Excessive or frequent coughing
- Runny or congested nose
- Sore throat or a slight tickle sensation in your throat
- Hoarse voice
- Mucus or phlegm buildup in your throat
- Bad breath
- Urge to clear your throat often
Knowing these symptoms can help you assess whether you need to see a doctor or plastic surgeon for post-nasal drip treatment.
What Are the Causes of Post-Nasal Drip?
There are some common reasons you may be getting post-nasal drip. They are as follows:
- Hay fever: This is when the inner lining of the nose is inflamed.
- Viral infections: A post-nasal drip can be caused by infections like the common cold.
- Sinusitis: This is when there is an inflammation in the sinuses in your face.
- Cold air: This may dry out and irritate your nose and throat, causing an overproduction of mucus.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and asthma also cause post-nasal drip. In rare cases, a foreign object in the nose can cause it as well.
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What Problems Can You Develop If You Leave Post-Nasal Drip Untreated?
If left untreated, post-nasal drip can develop into something extremely problematic. You could be left with a sore and irritated throat, which will cause your voice to go hoarse.
Secondly, post-nasal drip can cause you to struggle to breathe and swallow, which in turn makes breathing labored and swallowing painful. This may also lead to sleep disruptions and discomfort.
Lastly, it can contribute to continued infections due to the overproduction of mucus without proper drainage, thus leading to chronic health conditions when left untreated.
What Is the Best Post-Nasal Drip Treatment?
Finding the right post-nasal drip treatment can be tough since it’s usually seen as a side effect of other more pressing conditions. However, if you experience rhinitis or chronic rhinitis (inflammation of the inner lining inside your nose), then ClariFix may be the solution for you.
While oral medication and sprays help, their effects are only short-term. ClariFix is a long-lasting solution. It is designed to freeze inflamed nasal linings with advanced and innovative cooling technology.
ClariFix cryotherapy is a safe procedure that can be done in minutes and only requires topical or local anesthetics. Due to its long-term effects, most patients opt for this simple procedure, and you should, too.
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Wrap-Up on FAQs about Post-Nasal Drips
Now you know the various causes, symptoms, and treatments of post-nasal drip. Your doctor can identify if you have post-nasal drip by physically examining your throat, nose, and ears. Once diagnosed, you can explore your options for the best treatment. One of the best long-term solutions is ClariFix, which Dr. Edmund Fisher can perform.
