Often after a respiratory infection, the recovery of the body is extremely slow. Mucus continues to flow down the throat along its back wall, which causes a lot of discomfort. The presented manifestation is called postnasal flow syndrome. How to deal with this problem? What are the causes of its occurrence? We will try to answer these and other questions later in the material.
Features of the disease
Postnasal syndrome is a complication after respiratory illnesses associated with airway inflammation. Its development leads not only to abundant separation of mucus, but also to the formation of a regular cough.
In the daytime, sputum is involuntarily expectorated and swallowed. At night, excessive secretion of fluids in the nasopharynx causes a buildup of mucus. Thus, in the morning, a person who suffers from post-nasal syndrome begins to cough violently. In the most advanced cases, the accumulation of mucus is so plentiful that it leads to the appearance of vomiting.
Reasons for the formation of postnasal syndrome
In the nasopharynx cavity there is a whole network of glands that produce mucus, which is necessary to slow down the vital processes of pathological microorganisms. In addition, this secret moisturizes the nasal membranes, and also helps to cleanse the nasal cavity from pollution.
For what reasons can postnasal syndrome develop? The specified complication often occurs against the background of chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis. Other, less common causes of the formation of the syndrome include:
- bacterial lesions of the nasopharynx;
- growth of adenoids;
- development of anomalies in the structure of the upper respiratory tract;
- all kinds of inflammation of the tissues of the nasopharynx.
In the majority of cases, the syndrome of postnasal leakage appears as a result of insufficient quality treatment of respiratory diseases. Unwillingness to pay attention to the chronic manifestations of past ailments leads to the accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx.
Postnasal Syndrome: Symptoms
Pathology has the following manifestations:
- a sensation of a foreign body - the so-called "ball" in the nasopharynx;
- sticking of thick mucus in the region of the posterior pharyngeal wall, its gradual flow into the throat;
- difficulty breathing in the morning, itching, burning, general discomfort in the throat;
- numerous arbitrary coughing throughout the day with the separation of sputum;
- coughing attacks during sleep;
- expectoration of large clots of mucus in the morning;
- bouts of nausea and vomiting (in children);
- changing the tone of voice;
- difficulty breathing through the nose.
In some cases, postnasal syndrome only leads to periodic coughing. At the same time, there are no wheezing in the lungs when listening to a doctor, and breathing remains calm. The mucus, constantly flowing down the throat, irritates the tissues, creates a favorable environment for the life of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, a person’s unwillingness to pay attention to the above symptoms for a long time can cause chronic pharyngitis.
Diagnostics
As you can see, there is no one characteristic symptom that would allow the identification of postnasal syndrome. Treatment and diagnosis of the disease for this reason is carried out in several separate methods. At the first suspicion of such a complication, doctors most often refer the patient to:
- X-ray of the sinuses and nasopharynx;
- bacterial culture fence;
- computed tomography;
- conducting an allergy test.
The choice of a diagnostic method is carried out by the doctor individually in relation to each patient. As a rule, the final conclusion on the development of postnasal syndrome is made after passing most of the above procedures.
Postnasal Flow Syndrome: Adult Treatment
In many cases, the syndrome in adults is formed against the background of past diseases. However, often the problem develops in the presence of allergies. In the latter case, to slow the production of mucus, reduce its amount in the nasopharynx, patients are prescribed:
- antihistamines;
- nasal sprays, which contain antiallergic substances;
- nasal glucocorticosteroids.
In situations where the post-nasal syndrome is caused by infectious pathologies in the nasopharynx, doctors prescribe courses of immunomodulators of the local spectrum of action, antibiotics, and also often prescribe nose washing with antiseptics, saline solutions.
In adults, in the presence of pathologies in the structure of the upper respiratory tract, mucus leakage syndrome sometimes requires surgical intervention. In such cases, doctors resort to sinusotherapy, correction of the nasal septum, polypotomy, coagulation of the nasal concha. These operations are aimed at restoring normal drainage of the sinuses of the nose, which makes it possible to eliminate postnasal fluid leakage.
Treatment in children
Usually, postnasal syndrome occurs in infants against a background of ARVI or with the formation of adenoids in the nasopharynx. When doctors exclude all infectious factors, the problem of mucus leakage can be eliminated by prescribing a course of nasal irrigation with sprays containing corticosteroids or taking decongestants. As an additional therapy, nasopharyngeal lavage and inhalation are used.
Alternative methods of treatment
With a mild form of postnasal syndrome, therapy using traditional medicine is allowed. Perhaps the latter are not as effective in resolving problems as medications. However, they certainly will have a positive effect and will not cause harm to health.
Consider several proven remedies for the flow of mucus into the nasopharynx:
- Dissolve several tablespoons of propolis tincture in a deep container with boiling water. Add lavender and rosemary oil. Daily breathe over steam for 10 minutes.
- Brew tea based on any available healing herbs, be it coltsfoot, St. John's wort or the color of linden. Add a pinch of chopped ginger, a teaspoon of honey and turmeric. Drink a glass of broth daily, slowly sipping hot liquid in small sips.
- In a small mug of warm water, add a teaspoon of lemon juice and honey. Drink in small sips in case of accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx.
Prevention
When disposed to respiratory diseases, in order to avoid the formation of a syndrome of postnasal mucus leakage, it is recommended:
- more often perform wet cleaning in the house, use humidifiers;
- avoid labor in the workplace;
- regularly take a walk in the fresh air;
- strengthen general immunity;
- seek medical attention immediately if you have respiratory illnesses to get qualified help, which helps to avoid complications.
Finally
As you can see, the development of postnasal syndrome can lead to a number of uncomfortable sensations. To avoid unnecessary suffering, it is recommended to treat respiratory diseases in a timely manner, if necessary, eliminate the pathology of the structure of the nasopharynx operatively. People prone to respiratory infections need to pay attention to prevention.