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Jonathan Hughes | Hemel Hempstead

What is Post-nasal Drip?

Post-nasal drip happens when excess mucus produced in the nose and sinuses drips down the back of the throat. This can cause a constant need to clear the throat, coughing, or a sensation of something “stuck” at the back of the throat. Although the nose naturally produces mucus to keep the airways moist and trap dust and germs, too much can become bothersome and may point to an underlying condition.

Causes of Post-nasal Drip

There are several possible reasons for post-nasal drip. Allergies such as hay fever, dust, or pet allergies can cause the lining of the nose to swell and produce more mucus. Viral infections like the common cold may trigger temporary symptoms, while chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps can cause more persistent mucus production. Environmental irritants such as smoke, strong smells, or pollution may also play a role. Acid reflux from the stomach can sometimes mimic or worsen post-nasal drip, leading to throat irritation and coughing.

Symptoms of Post-nasal Drip

The most common symptoms include frequent throat clearing, a sensation of mucus at the back of the throat, chronic cough, sore throat, or hoarseness. Some people also notice bad breath, nausea from swallowed mucus, or worsening symptoms at night when lying down.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on what is causing the problem. Simple measures such as staying hydrated, using saline rinses, and avoiding irritants often help. If allergies are the cause, antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation. Chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps may require specialist treatment, which can include surgery if medication is not enough. If acid reflux is contributing, dietary changes, avoiding late meals, and sometimes medication to reduce stomach acid can improve symptoms. An ENT specialist can carry out a nasal endoscopy to check the nose and throat, and advise on tailored treatment.

If you’re struggling with Post-nasal Drip, get in touch with your ENT specialist in London to book a consultation today!
020 3897 0667

Why do I always feel mucus at the back of my throat?
That constant sensation is usually post-nasal drip, where the nose and sinuses produce more mucus than normal, or thicker mucus, which slides down the back of the throat instead of clearing out the front. The common drivers are allergies, a lingering cold, ongoing sinus inflammation, or irritants like smoke and dry indoor air. Reflux from the stomach can create the same “something stuck” feeling even when the nose itself seems fine.

Can post-nasal drip cause a chronic cough?
Yes, it is one of the most common causes. Doctors often call this upper airway cough syndrome, and along with asthma and acid reflux it accounts for the large majority of long-lasting coughs. The mucus trickling down irritates the sensitive area around the throat and voice box, which triggers coughing and a repeated need to clear the throat, often worse at night. A cough that lasts more than about eight weeks is worth having assessed, because identifying the cause is what makes it treatable.

Is post-nasal drip the same as catarrh?
They overlap a great deal. Catarrh is a general term for a build-up of mucus in the nose, sinuses, or throat, while post-nasal drip describes that mucus specifically running down the back of the throat. In everyday use people treat the two as the same thing, and the underlying causes and treatments are much alike.

Can acid reflux cause post-nasal drip?
Yes, and it is often overlooked. When stomach acid travels up into the throat, known as laryngopharyngeal reflux or “silent reflux”, it can irritate the throat and produce the very same catarrh, throat-clearing, and cough as post-nasal drip, sometimes with no heartburn at all. Because the symptoms look so similar, reflux is well worth considering when nasal treatments alone have not helped. Managing it with dietary changes, avoiding late meals, and sometimes acid-reducing medication often makes a real difference.

When should I see a specialist?
It is worth an ENT assessment if symptoms are persistent, disrupt your sleep or daily life, or have not settled with the usual measures like saline rinses, antihistamines, or steroid sprays. Some symptoms deserve prompter attention: a cough that will not shift, hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, any blood, or symptoms clearly worse on one side. A specialist can examine the nose and throat directly with a nasal endoscopy, check for allergies or sinus disease, and match the treatment to the actual cause.