Bad Breath> Nasal and Sinus Care > Post Nasal Drip

Sinusitis and Post Nasal Drip

Post nasal drip is an unscientific term that refers to the sensation of thick phlegm in the throat, which can become infected. It is annoying because normally the throat is moistened by the nasal secretions and throat mucous glands. This is part of the mucous - nasal cilia system that defends us from disease. When the amount of liquid secreted by the nose and sinus is reduced, and the cilia of the nose and sinus slow down, the fluid thickens and you become aware of its presence. Since the thick phlegm associated with post nasal drip is unpleasant and often infected because it is "just laying there" and not moving, our bodies naturally try to get rid of it, to the annoyance of our partners. Whether post nasal drip is caused by pollution, chemical exposure, or severe infection, the treatment requires that the cilia mucous system be brought back to normal.

A moisturizing spray is good for post nasal drip but avoid moisturizing sprays with additives or preservatives such as benzalkonium which has been clinically reported to aggravate sinus conditions and contributes to rebound nasal congestion. Easy to mix home made saline preparations free of harmful preservatives are much more economical and safe to use. These allow you to moisturize and clean your nose frequently, right away when you are exposed to diesel bus fumes, smoke, or dust.  BreatheEase nasal moisturizer that contains no irritating additives, including Benzalkonium, comes in a convenient 3-way spray bottle for cleaning out particles and/or moisturizing, and is very inexpensive per use. Thus, this moisturizer can be used as often as desired, and because it is free of irritating additives, there is no sting, so kids will use it.

Whatever helps to move the cilia helps post nasal drip. Many clinical studies report pulsatile lavage helps to restore ciliary function and is up to 100X more effective at removing bacteria. The Hydro Pulse delivers a very gentle and soothing pulsing rinse at 20 pulses per second to help revitalize and restore cilairy function. Pulsatile Nasal Irrigation performed daily for 2 weeks is often sufficient because the pulsation encourages good ciliary movement. Stagnant mucous is also removed along with bacteria. Often the key is to simply drink enough water to liquefy the secretions.

What about coffee? There is nothing wrong with coffee, its just that tea is what is known to stimulate cilia movement and reduce post nasal drip. Also chicken soup. Ice drinks slow the cilia, and so do most antihistamines. Sometimes patients are taking a large number of various medications and these combine to make the nose dry. Here, pulsatile irrigation is probably the best treatment for post nasal drip.

Also try SinuPulse Elite

Copyright 2002 content. The information provided by Health Solutions Medical Products Corp. is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health-care provider. Please consult your health-care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

 2002 Health Solutions Medical Products Corp. All rights reserved.