Post nasal drip is a condition where a person feels excessive mucus in the back of his throat, according to Doctor Muarry Grossan, an eye, nose and throat specialist in California. Post nasal drip may be felt as a constant dripping in the back of the throat leading to bad breath, a sore throat and coughing, according to The New York Times. It is the result of swollen and inflamed sinuses, trapping mucus in the sinus cavity, allowing it no where else to drain but down the throat. A person should consult her doctor to be properly diagnosed.
Sinusitis
A common cause of post nasal drip is a sinus infection. Sinus infections are the result of bacteria or a virus affecting the sinus cavity. A sinus infection irritates the sinuses causing them to become inflamed and over-produce mucus. According to the Mayo Clinic, acute sinus infections rarely need medical intervention and will go away within a few days. Chronic sinusitis is a sinus infection lasting more than eight weeks or a sinus infection that comes and goes over a period of time, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chronic sinusitis is treated with antibiotics if it's the result of bacteria, decongestants and antihistamines, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Allergic Rhinitis
Hay Fever is an allergic reaction that causes cold-like symptoms to occur in the body. The most common symptoms are related to nasal congestion, nasal discharge, such as post nasal drip, and sinus pressure. The No. 1 cause of hay fever in the United States is pollen from ragweed, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Other causes for hay fever are other pollens during springtime, pet dander and dust mites. Allergic rhinitis is treated with over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants or with prescribed steroid nasal sprays or allergy shots, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are small, tear-like shaped growths that develop along the lining of the nasal passages, according to Merck. Nasal polyps cause obstruction in the sinuses causing nasal congestion and drainage. They are treated with prescribed steroid nasal sprays or surgery in extreme cases, according to Merck. People with severe allergies or asthma are more likely to develop nasal polyps, but they can be developed by anyone. They are diagnosed by their appearance as a peeled grape hanging off the sinus wall.
