Your nose makes mucus for good reasons, but post-nasal drip happens when something interferes with normal drainage. Your nose and sinuses produce up to two quarts of mucus every day; when something disrupts this normal process, you feel every uncomfortable drop.
At our Brooklyn, New York, office, Steven D. Kushnick, MD, identifies what’s triggering your excess mucus production so we can target the real problem — instead of just masking your symptoms.
Your nose and throat glands make mucus to keep the air you breathe warm and moist. Normally this mucus mixes with saliva and drains down your throat without any sensation.
Post-nasal drip occurs when your glands produce too much mucus or when the mucus becomes thicker than normal. You notice the dripping sensation, along with throat clearing, coughing, and throat irritation.
Viral infections like colds and flu increase mucus production as your immune system fights off the infection. Bacterial sinus infections create yellow or green mucus that drains more slowly because of its thicker consistency.
Chronic sinusitis keeps mucus production elevated even after the initial infection clears. Dr. Kushnick sees this pattern frequently in patients with recurring sinus problems that never fully resolve.
Environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander trigger your nose to produce thin, clear mucus to flush out irritants. This creates persistent drainage that flows steadily throughout the day.
Food allergies can also cause post-nasal drip, though this connection often gets overlooked. Dairy, gluten, and food additives affect some people’s mucus production for hours after eating.
Pregnancy increases mucus production through elevated estrogen levels. Many women develop post-nasal drip during pregnancy that resolves after delivery.
Menstrual cycles create monthly patterns of thicker or thinner mucus. Thyroid disorders also disrupt normal mucus production, with underactive thyroid causing thicker secretions and overactive thyroid leading to excessive thin drainage.
A deviated septum prevents mucus from draining properly, causing it to pool and thicken in blocked areas. Nasal polyps create similar drainage problems by obstructing normal airflow patterns.
Dr. Kushnick uses fiber-optic examination to see exactly where mucus accumulates and what’s preventing normal drainage. This shows whether the problem stems from infection, inflammation, structural issues, or other triggers.
Treatments Dr. Kushnick may recommend include:
Antibiotics clear bacterial infections causing thick, colored drainage. Steroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation from allergies or chronic sinusitis. Mucolytics like guaifenesin thin thick mucus to improve drainage.
Staying well-hydrated keeps mucus thin and easier to clear. Sleeping with your head elevated helps gravity assist drainage overnight.
Humidifiers add moisture to dry air that thickens nasal secretions. Nasal irrigation with saline solutions helps clear accumulated mucus without the rebound effects of decongestant sprays.
When a deviated septum or nasal polyps prevent proper drainage, surgery can restore normal mucus flow. These procedures work best when medical treatments haven’t provided adequate relief.
Dr. Kushnick evaluates whether structural problems contribute to your post-nasal drip before recommending surgical solutions.
Post-nasal drip improves significantly when we identify and treat what’s disrupting your normal mucus production. Dr. Kushnick’s examination determines the specific cause affecting your drainage patterns.
Ready for relief from post-nasal drip? Call our Brooklyn, New York, office at 718-250-8520 today, or use our online booking tool to schedule an evaluation at your convenience.
