Post-nasal drip (PND, also termed upper airway cough syndrome, UACS, or post nasal drip syndrome, PNDS) occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the nasal mucosa. The excess mucus accumulates in the throat or back of the nose. It is caused by rhinitis, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or by a disorder of swallowing (such as an esophageal motility disorder). It can be caused by an allergy (allergic postnasal drip), cold or flu, as well as a result of medications and other causes.
However, other researchers argue that mucus dripping down the back of the throat from the nasal cavity is a normal physiologic process that occurs in healthy individuals. Post-nasal drip has been challenged as a syndrome due to a lack of an accepted definition, pathologic tissue changes, and available biochemical tests.
Video Post-nasal drip
Presentation
Associated conditions
PND is suggested to be a cause of extra-oral halitosis, especially when a sinus infection is also present. Acid reflux or heartburn is believed to aggravate and in some cases cause post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip can be a cause of laryngeal inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, leading to symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD).
Maps Post-nasal drip
Diagnosis
Treatment
Antihistamines are a recommended treatment for post-nasal drip resulting from allergies. First generation antihistamines can have side effects including drowsiness however. Nasal steroids, such as Fluticasone propionate, may also provide relief.
References
External links
- Medline Plus article on Nasal Discharge
Source of article : Wikipedia
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