Postnasal Drip Specialist
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Jacksonville ENT Surgery
Otolaryngology & Medical Spa located in Jacksonville, FL & Lake City, FL
Do you feel the frequent need to swallow or clear your throat? If so, you could have postnasal drip. Postnasal drip is caused by many possible conditions that are expertly treated by Charles Greene, MD, PhD, and Tara Condrey, PA-C, at Jacksonville ENT Surgery. We provide an array of treatments, from medications to today’s most advanced noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures. The practice has three locations in Jacksonville and another one in Lake City, Florida. To schedule an appointment, book online today or call one of their four offices.
Postnasal Drip Q & A
What is postnasal drip?
Your nose and throat constantly produce mucus, which is important for keeping the tissues hydrated and moistening the air you breathe in. Mucus also stops harmful microorganisms, dust, and other debris from entering your body.
You normally swallow the mucus without noticing it or giving it any thought. But if the mucus gets too thick or your body produces too much, you can feel it in your throat or dripping from the back of your nose. That’s when you have postnasal drip.
What causes postnasal drip?
Postnasal drip is most often caused by an underlying health condition that affects mucus production. However, certain medications, hormone changes, a dry atmosphere, pregnancy, spicy foods, axid reflux, and weather changes can affect the mucus and cause postnasal drip.
The most common conditions responsible for postnasal drip include upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, acid reflux, and allergies to airborne substances such as pollen.
What symptoms develop if I have postnasal drip?
The top symptom is feeling mucus as it goes down your throat.
You may also have symptoms such as:
- Chronic cough
- Clearing your throat often
- Tickle in your throat
- A sore throat
- Wheezing
- Frequent swallowing
- Congested or runny nose
- Feeling like there’s a lump in your throat
Postnasal drip may also change the quality of your voice, making it sound hoarse or raspy.
How is postnasal drip treated?
Jacksonville ENT Surgery provides treatment for all the symptoms associated with postnasal drip, including chronic nasal drainage, chronic rhinitis, chronic cough, and acid reflux (LPR).
If allergies are the source of your postnasal drip, you need a plan to avoid your allergens or you may get immunotherapy to treat your allergies.
Your provider can prescribe one of many possible medications, from antihistamines and nasal decongestants to steroid sprays and mucus-thinning medications.
You may also need a procedure to treat the condition causing your postnasal drip. For example, a noninvasive balloon sinuplasty provides long-term relief from chronic sinusitis.
When chronic rhinitis causes your postnasal drip, your provider at Jacksonville ENT Surgery may recommend one of two procedures, ClariFix® or RhinAer®. Both treatments stop overactive nerves in the back of your nose from sending signals that trigger nasal swelling and mucus production.
ClariFix blocks the nerve signals by freezing a precise area on the nerve. RhinAer does the same thing using the heat from radiofrequency energy.
If you need to find a solution for postnasal drip, call Jacksonville ENT Surgery today or book an appointment online.
