The Benefits of Seeing an ENT Specialist for Post-Nasal Drip in Dallas

Do you find yourself constantly needing to clear your throat throughout the day? Or maybe it feels like there’s something stuck in your throat that you just couldn’t cough away? If such symptoms become persistent and don’t seem to go away with time, what you might be dealing with is called post-nasal drip.

As we reach the peak of cold and flu season in Dallas, TX, sinus issues—including post-nasal drip—often become more common. Learning about the causes and symptoms may help you better understand your condition and explore potential relief options.

Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Dallas, TX, Residents Should Know

First, let’s go over the basics of post-nasal drip to get a better understanding of what it is, what causes it, and how to recognize its symptoms.

⭕What is post-nasal drip?

During normal sinus function, the glands in the nose, throat, and airways naturally and constantly produce mucus. This mucus moistens the nasal membranes, humidifies the air that we breathe, and traps and destroys irritants and foreign matter (like viruses and bacteria) to help our bodies fight infections.

Normally, we swallow this mucus without noticing, as it mixes with our saliva and drains down the throat. However, the body sometimes produces excess or thicker mucus, which can accumulate and become more noticeable as it drips down the back of the nose and into the throat. This can be uncomfortable and becomes what is known as post-nasal drip.

Post-nasal drip is characterized by excess mucus accumulating and dripping down the back of the throat. This can create a tickling sensation in the throat, and can lead to throat irritation, chronic coughing, or the persistent need to clear the throat.

⭕What are the common symptoms?

Symptoms of post-nasal drip vary from one person to another but common symptoms include:

• The sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Feeling like there’s a lump in the throat
• Frequent throat clearing
• Chronic coughing, which becomes worse during sleep, causing disturbances
• Sore or irritated throat
• Hoarseness or changes in the voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea or vomiting due to excess mucus draining from the throat to the stomach

⭕What causes it?

A variety of factors can cause post-nasal drip, including:

• Environmental or seasonal allergens (pollen, mold, dust, pet dander)
• Infections (flu, common cold, sinusitis, bacterial infections)
• Environmental factors (dry air, pollution, cold temperatures, humidity extremes)
• Nasal structural issues (nasal polyps, deviated septum)
• Acid reflux (GERD)

⭕How does post-nasal drip relate to sinus and allergy conditions?

Sinusitis and allergies are a common cause of post-nasal drip.

Both sinusitis and allergies can cause a persistent sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat. Without treatment, this may continue to trouble individuals and potentially disrupt daily activities, rest, and sleep.

When You Should See an ENT in Dallas for Post-Nasal Drip

Post-nasal drip, if it becomes chronic, becomes more than mere frustrations. If left untreated, they can impact daily activities and disrupt rest and sleep. A visit with your ENT care provider in Dallas can help explore the potential causes of post-nasal drip and discuss appropriate options for symptom management based on individual evaluation.

▶️For post-nasal drip caused by allergies…

• An allergy test may be conducted to determine what triggers your allergies.
• Allergy medications, antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, and oral steroids may be taken under your doctor’s advice and supervision.
• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) or allergy shots are FDA-approved for certain allergens. However, use for other allergens may be considered off-label and should be pursued under careful medical supervision.

▶️For post-nasal drip caused by sinusitis…

The appropriate treatment plan for sinusitis depends on what causes it:

• Your care provider might recommend decongestants, nasal saline rinses, rest at home, and plenty of fluids.
• Balloon sinuplasty may be considered if post-nasal drip is due to sinus blockage. Your care provider can determine if this is the appropriate treatment for you.
• If it is due to nasal polyps, they may be surgically removed through endoscopic surgery.
• If it is due to a deviated septum, a surgery called septoplasty straightens the septum and can improve airflow.
• If it is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Post-Nasal Drip and Sinus Care at Dallas Breathe Free

Our team at Dallas Breathe Free works with our patients in Dallas and the surrounding communities to provide ENT evaluations and discuss treatment recommendations based on clinical findings. Individual responses to treatment may vary.

Looking for an ENT for post-nasal drip in Dallas? Schedule a consultation with our team today. Our Irving and Fort Worth offices serve nearby communities.