Retronasal drain: symptoms, causes and remedies

The retronasal drainage, or retronasal (or post-nasal) drip, from the English post-nasal drip, corresponds to the presence or sensation of excessive mucus in the back of the nose and throat, caused by glands in this area. Those suffering from retronasal discharge usually feel the need to clear the throat and thus swallow more than usual. Excess mucus can also lead to other symptoms.

Although medical examination is often necessary, there are home remedies to resolve the symptoms of retronasal drip.

1. What is retronasal drainage (or Post-nasal Drip)?
2. Symptoms
3. Causes
4. Over-the-counter remedies
5. When to consult the doctor

What is retronasal drainage(post-nasal drip)?

Retronasal discharge refers to the uncomfortable sensation of mucus accumulation in the back of the throat.

The nose, throat and sinuses produce mucus constantly. Mucus is a thick, moist substance that helps moisturize the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

In fact, theair we breathe is full of germs, pollens and other environmental pollutants. When air enters the body, these particles, if not filtered by our bodies, can cause health problems. It is precisely mucus that is responsible for trapping and eliminating these foreign bodies.

Usually the presence of mucus is not perceived. It constantly mixes with saliva and is automatically swallowed, or blown out through the nose. However, if the body produces excess mucus, we begin to perceive theaccumulation of this substance much more.

When this happens, you may experience a dripping sensation of mucus from your nose to your throat: this is the retro-nasal drain (or drip)(post-nasal drip).

Symptoms

In addition to the dripping sensation, other symptoms may occur including:

• Sore or scraped throat
• Feeling of nausea caused by excess mucus in the stomach
• Excessive swallowing or need to expel mucus
• Bad breath
• Cough that gets worse during the night

Causes

Often retronasal discharge is caused by allergies, such as so-called "hay fever" .

Retronasal discharge is most often caused by certain changes in the environment or the human body.

One of the most common causes of retronasal discharge is precisely theallergy. Seasonal allergies caused by pollen from flowering plants can also cause retronasal drip, as the body, in reaction, produces more mucus to eliminate or carry away pollen spores.

Cold or dry air can also cause post-nasal drip. Breathing cold or dry air can causeirritation of the nose and throat; the body then tries to humidify and warm the airways by producing mucus to relieve this irritation.

Cold is very often associated with viral infections, such as influenza, sinusitis, or the common cold. These infections cause many symptoms, including retronasal drip.

The body reacts to the germs invading the body with increased production of mucus that can catch them and carry them away; it is an annoying reaction but also a signal that the body is reacting to fight the disease.

Other causes of retronasal drainage include:

• diet of overly spicy or spicy foods
• pregnancy
• foreign objects in the nose
• Irritating chemicals, such as perfumes, cleaning products, environmental fumes
• smoke
• Medications, such as birth control pills or for regulating blood pressure
• Chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Deviation of the septum, that is, when the nasal septum (the "wall" that divides the nostrils) is deviated or damaged, can also slow down or make it more difficult for the mucus to drain properly.

Most cases of retronasal drip resolve on their own. However, depending on the cause, complications can also emerge if not treated properly. In fact, it is possible for germs to cause aninfection from excess mucus in the sinuses or Eustachian tubes (virtual canals that connect the throat to the middle ear.

If symptoms persist for more than 10 days, it is advisable to consult a physician to receive treatment and prevent complications.

Over-the-counter remedies, drugs and medical devices

There are several remedies for the treatment of retronasal discharge for:

Eliminate mucus

Over-the-counter decongestant drugs such as Phenylephrine or Pseudoephedrine can help clear mucus. However, these may work for many, but not all.

In fact, these drugs can eliminate mucus but also cause dryness and discomfort in the nose. Others experience nervousness or lightheadedness, so they avoid them because of these side effects.

Some newer drugs, such as loratadine and cetirizine, called non-sedating antihistamines because they less frequently cause that feeling of fatigue and drowsiness typical of earlier generation antihistamines; they are perfect in those cases where the person is forced to work or drive, while nevertheless suffering from the symptoms of retronasal discharge.

These non-sedating antihistamines are joined by Fexofenadine and Levocetirizine.

Each of these drugs has side effects and may have contraindications when combined with other drug therapies. Before taking any, therefore, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist about them.

Reduce mucus

Another home remedy for retronasal drip is simply to reduce mucus. There are dedicated over-the-counter medications, such as Guaifenesin, but there are also nonpharmaceutical solutions:

Humidify the air

Increasing the humidity of the environment can reduce retronasal drip and allow mucus to flow more easily through the airways. Therefore, using a humidifier or vaporizer can reduce retronasal drip, especially if the drip is accompanied by congested sinuses.

Use sprays and nasal irrigations (washings).

Nasal sprays and saline-based nasalirrigation(nasal lavage) help remove and expel excess mucus. These systems clear the airways and reduce the presence of mucus throughout the upper respiratory tract.

Home remedies for retronasal drip (or post-nasal drip)

If retronasal drip symptoms worsen during the night, you can reduce the symptom by lifting your head during sleep.

Home remedies for retronasal drip include:

Lifting the head during sleep

If mucus accumulation worsens at night, it is possible to find relief, and thus sleep better, by slightly elevating the head relative to the body during rest.

Using a couple of pillows under the head and shoulders can help facilitate the drainage of mucus, and reduce the feeling of mucus in the throat and airways.

Drink plenty of fluids

Due to nasal drip, the body loses a lot of fluids. Drinking plenty can help reduce mucus, facilitate its removal, and prevent dehydration.

Hot tea and broth can relieve pain and other symptoms, such as a sore throat; also, steam helps decongest the sinuses.

When to consult the doctor

When yellow or green moults are present that do not regress on their own, medical advice should be sought, as there may be abacterial or viral infection going on. Retronasal drip caused by a bacterial infection may require antibiotics. Viral infections, on the other hand, cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Anyone who has very strong or pungentsmelling mucus, or other symptoms accompanied by high fever, should consult the doctor to get a careful and correct diagnosis. The same applies to anyone who has been suffering from retronasal discharge for 10 days or more.

Physicians may require further investigations to rule out other causes, such as acid reflux (gastro esophageal or laryngeal pharyngeal).

To recap

Spillage, or retronasal drip(post-nasal drip), is a common experience. The best way to prevent it is to eliminate allergens or other triggers whenever possible. In most cases, retronasal drip is bothersome but resolves itself.

There are therapies involving over-the-counter medications, or home remedies, such as nasal washes, which are often found to be effective. Those suffering from persistent retronasal drip, or accompanied by other symptoms, should consult their medical professional for a diagnosis and thus effective treatment.

Source: Medicalnewstoday

Trad. and adapted Ita by author

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