Our sinuses produce between 1 to 2 liters of mucous a day. In most people that mucous then trickles through the back of your nose and into your throat. These secretions are swallowed without ever knowing. Therefore “postnasal drip” is a normal physiologic process. Some patients may have increased drainage or abnormal drainage stemming from multiple factors.
Conditions that could make your postnasal drip symptoms and breathing worse include allergies, nasal polyps, sinusitis, abnormal sinus anatomy, abnormal nasal anatomy (inside and outside), enlarged turbinates, and a deviated septum. Many patients have more than one of these conditions, which need to be treated using medical, surgical, or combined approaches. I personally recommend nasal irrigations (Neil Med Rinse or generic brand) to many of my nasal obstruction patients. It is important to determine exactly what causes your symptoms and then to address those issues.
Farhad Ardeshirpour, MD,
Dual-Board Certified
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
