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Have Had Post Nasal Drip And Coughing Up Mucus. What Should I Do?
Question: I have had post nasal drip for 2 months and coughing up mucus. been to ent and reg doc both said no mucus in chest. don't know what to do.
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Even though you are obviously having problems with postnasal drip, which is common, it does not mean that it has to lead to mucus on your chest.
Some persons with post nasal drip, though severe, do not have associated mucus on their chest.There are a number of protective mechanisms in the respiratory system, one of them is the coughing that you mentioned.These mechanisms are put in place to reduce the transmission of chemicals to the lungs.In addition , there are certain cells in the lungs that would work instantly to try and destroy any foreign matter.In most cases,persons are more likely to swallow the mucus and notice it in their stool.
Rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses) is associated with some or all of the following: post nasal drip, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, facial pain, headache and in some persons , fever.
It is commonly associated with enviromental allergens but can also be related medications (some antihypertensives, aspirin, NSAIDS [such as ibuprofen]), exercise, meals, emotions and hormones such as low thyroid hormones.When it is not related to enviromental allergens it is called non allergicn rhinitis.
To determine which is present your doctor will rely on your history, examination and in severe cases allergy testing.
Most persons , however have the allergic type.
Treatment would involve: (1) avoidance of the allergen , if it is known and if it is possible to avoid it (2) use of intranasal steroid sprays- these would be the mainstay of your treatment. In general they take about 30 mins to take effect and may take a few effect may take several hrs to days.Maximum effectiveness occurs after 2 to 4 wks of consistent use.
(3)oral antihistamines will also assist in relieving your symptoms
(4)decongestants may also help as well as leukotriene antagonists such as singulair
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Even though you are obviously having problems with postnasal drip, which is common, it does not mean that it has to lead to mucus on your chest.
Some persons with post nasal drip, though severe, do not have associated mucus on their chest.There are a number of protective mechanisms in the respiratory system, one of them is the coughing that you mentioned.These mechanisms are put in place to reduce the transmission of chemicals to the lungs.In addition , there are certain cells in the lungs that would work instantly to try and destroy any foreign matter.In most cases,persons are more likely to swallow the mucus and notice it in their stool.
Rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses) is associated with some or all of the following: post nasal drip, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, facial pain, headache and in some persons , fever.
It is commonly associated with enviromental allergens but can also be related medications (some antihypertensives, aspirin, NSAIDS [such as ibuprofen]), exercise, meals, emotions and hormones such as low thyroid hormones.When it is not related to enviromental allergens it is called non allergicn rhinitis.
To determine which is present your doctor will rely on your history, examination and in severe cases allergy testing.
Most persons , however have the allergic type.
Treatment would involve: (1) avoidance of the allergen , if it is known and if it is possible to avoid it (2) use of intranasal steroid sprays- these would be the mainstay of your treatment. In general they take about 30 mins to take effect and may take a few effect may take several hrs to days.Maximum effectiveness occurs after 2 to 4 wks of consistent use.
(3)oral antihistamines will also assist in relieving your symptoms
(4)decongestants may also help as well as leukotriene antagonists such as singulair
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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