Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Sinus drip in back of throat

05/10/2008 10:29AM

Question:

WHAT CAN I DO FOR IT

Answer:

I'm not sure I received all of your question, but I presume you are asking what can you do for post nasal drip? The nose ordinarily makes mucus that very gradually flows to the back of the throat and is swallowed. This happens slowly and regularly and is not sensed under normal circumstances. However, if the nose produces too much mucus, as in the case of allergies, then this increased flow can be noticed. Allergy medication would be helpful in this situation. If the sinuses do not drain very well into the nose, then mucus may build up until gravity pulls it back into the throat. Here too it becomes noticeable and symptomatic, and would require appropriate treatment by an ENT doctor. However, believe it or not, many cases of post nasal drip are due to acid reflux. Acid that backs up into the throat causes irritation that stimulates more mucus production that then pools in the throat. Most assume this to be drainage from the nose, when it may be completely unrelated. This can occur without associated heartburn. The best step for you would be to consult an ENT physician who can then make an appropriate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate therapy.

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Response by:

Allen M. Seiden, MD
Professor of Otolaryngology
Department of Otolaryngology
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati