discharge from the back of the nose
Postnasal drip is the flow of body secretions in a noticeable amount and in different consistency to the back of the nose and throat. Normally, the glands lining the inside of the nose and sinuses are 250-500 ml per day. produces secretions. This secretion moves backwards through small, mobile hairs on the mucosal surface that can be seen with a microscope. It is then unconsciously swallowed without realizing it. This secretion wets the membranes, moistens the air, traps and cleans the foreign materials inhaled, and fights against infections. Generating and cleaning up this epidemic; It depends on the relationship between nerves, blood vessels, glands, hormones and small hairs.
Increased thin and clear secretions for colds, flu (upper respiratory viral infection), allergies, cold weather, bright light, some foods and spices, pregnancy and hormonal changes, birth control pills and drugs including some blood pressure drugs and intranasal bone seen in cases such as curvature. Vasomotor rhinitis is non-allergic, hypersecretory and stuffy nose conditions. Increased thick secretion is often seen in houses and buildings that are wetted without humidification during the winter months and the humidity drops. It is also seen in sinus and nasal infections and allergies to poultry products. If the secretion in the common cold thickens over time and starts to turn yellow and green, an infection caused by bacteria is probably developing. Besides; In children, it may also be a sign of a foreign object in the nose (beans, peas, a piece of paper, a piece of a toy, etc.).
The reduction of the epidemic may be due to one of the following reasons:
1. Prolonged exposure to environmental irritants can dry out the nose and cause damage to the membranes (cigarette smoke, industrial fumes, car fumes). When the secretion is reduced, it is thicker than normal and falsely feels increased.
2. Structural defects (curvature of the nasal septum) cause drying of the nasal membranes by changing the air flow (increases or decreases the secretion depending on the structural disorder).
3. Mucous membranes shrink and dry with age. This leads to less and thicker secretions than normal and the person to feel a postnasal drip.
4. Other rare causes also cause this feeling by making changes in the membranes.
Apart from these, a feeling of postnasal drip may occur as a result of stomach acid secretion escaping to the esophagus and pharynx.
Treatment
Before starting treatment, a diagnosis must be made. This includes a detailed ear, nose and throat examination and possibly some laboratory, endoscopic and x-ray studies. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, but these provide temporary relief. In chronic sinusitis, a surgical intervention is needed to open the mouth of the closed sinuses.
Allergy can be controlled by eliminating the cause. Antihistamines and decongestants, cromolyn and steroid nasal sprays, other forms of steroids and hyposensitization (vaccine therapy) may be used for treatment. However, some histamines cause drying and thicken the secretion even more.
Gastroesophageal reflux is treated by elevating the head of the bed 12-15 cm, removing late night snacks, and cutting out alcohol and caffeine. Anti-acid or drugs that stop stomach acid production can be prescribed. Treatment may be administered to try before other diagnostic methods are applied. Structural defects require surgical correction. Septum deviation prevents the sinuses from emptying normally and causes chronic sinusitis. A protrusion in the septum causes irritation and abnormal secretion. A hole in the septum causes crusting. Enlarged and deformed turbinates (structures that protrude from the side walls of the nose and regulate and moisten airflow) or polyps (growths caused by infection, allergy or irritation) may also cause the same complaints. In some cases, no specific cause can be found. If there is no disease that can be corrected, treatment is more
it is in the direction of thinning the epidemic so that it can flow easily. This is especially true for elderly people with insufficient fluid intake. These patients should drink at least eight glasses of water a day, avoid caffeine, and use diuretics if appropriate. Guaifenesin or organic iodine can be used to thin the secretion. Guaifenesin has very rare side effects. Rarely, if organic iodine is used, if swelling of the salivary glands or rash develops, the drug
should be cut. It helps to correct the thick and reduced secretion in washing the nose with water. It can be applied two to six times a day with a special shower made for the nose. This liquid can be made by adding baking soda or salt to hot water. Finally, simple saline solutions that do not require a prescription are used to moisten the nose.
prof. Dr. Selcuk ONART
