Post nasal drip is an unscientific term
that refers to the sensation of thick phlegm in the throat, which can become
infected. It is annoying because normally the throat is moistened by the
nasal secretions and throat mucous glands. This is part of the mucous -
nasal cilia system that defends us from disease. When the amount of liquid
secreted by the nose and sinus is reduced, and the cilia of the nose and
sinus slow down, the fluid thickens and you become aware of its presence.
Since the thick phlegm is unpleasant and often infected because it is "just
laying there" and not moving, our bodies naturally try to get rid of it,
to the annoyance of our partners. Whether caused by pollution, chemical
exposure, or severe infection, the treatment requires that the cilia mucous
system be brought back to normal.
Moisturizer spray is good, but avoid moisturizing
sprays with additives or preservatives such as Benzalkonium (which can actually
be the root of your problems). I like preparations which you make yourself,
so they're economical, and which come with a refillable spray bottle. This
allows you to moisturize and clean your nose frequently, right away when
you are exposed to diesel bus fumes, smoke, or dust. If the stuff is expensive,
or isn't in a bottle convenient for carrying with you, you are less likely
to use it right when you are dry or exposed to irritants. Breathe-ease® XL is a moisturizer that contains no irritating additives, including
Benzalkonium, comes in a convenient 3-way spray bottle for cleaning out
particles and/or moisturizing, and is very inexpensive per use. Thus, this
moisturizer can be used as often as desired, and because it is free of
irritating additives, there is no sting, so kids will use it.
Whatever helps to move the cilia helps
post nasal drip. Drink lots of hot tea. Hot compresses over the nose, above
and below the eyes helps restore ciliary function. Pulsatile nasal irrigation
with the Original Sinus
Irirgator Tip® or best with the Hydro
Pulse® Nasal / Sinus Irrigation System performed daily for 2 weeks is often sufficient because
the pulsation encourages good ciliary movement. Stagnant mucous is also
removed along with bacteria. Often the key is to simply drink enough water
to liquefy the secretions.
What about coffee? There is nothing wrong
with coffee, its just that tea is what is known to stimulate cilia movement.
Also chicken soup. Ice drinks slow the cilia, and so do most antihistamines.
Sometimes patients are taking a large number of various medications and
these combine to make the nose dry. Here, pulsatile irrigation is probably
the best treatment.
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