5 Post Nasal Drip Causes

Post nasal drip is a common condition that happens when mucus from the back of your nose thickens and drips down into your throat. When this occurs, it can make you cough and try to clear your throat. This can sometimes be accompanied by bad breath and sinus pressure. The symptoms often worsen when you're lying down.

If you're experiencing post nasal drip symptoms, you'll need to identify the cause in order to determine the best course of treatment. There are possible culprits to consider.

Possible Post Nasal Drip Causes

Allergies. People who have allergies often produce more mucus.  To prevent the problem, allergy-proof your home and minimize your exposure to triggers. You may also need an antihistamine to head off the reaction, or a decongestant to control existing symptoms. A nasal spray containing steroids to prevent swelling in your nasal cavities can also be beneficial. Just check with a doctor or pharmacist first to find out what medications will be best for your situation and that are safe to take together.

Cold or flu. Illnesses can produce thicker mucus in larger quantities. Counteract this problem by trying to thin your secretions. Drinking lots of water, avoiding caffeine (which can make the problem worse) and taking a cold or cough medication can help to accomplish this goal. You can also try a saline nasal spray or use nasal irrigation to clean out your nasal passages.

Medications. If you take birth control pills or blood pressure control medications, these may affect your mucus production and post nasal drip can be a side effect. Talk to your doctor about trying a different form of the medication to see if this will help relieve the problem.

Food allergies. If you have a food allergy, your body could respond to any exposure by increasing mucus production. In such a case, you'll want to avoid the offending food and take an antihistamine if you do come into contact with it. If you're at risk for a serious reaction, you'll also need to carry an epi-pen.

An infection. When you have a sinus infection, your mucus will thicken and take on a brighter green or yellow tint. (In most other causes, the mucus should be clear or white.) When an infection occurs, if it's bacterial in nature you'll need antibiotics. Sometimes your doctor will also recommend taking a decongestant or cough medicine along with them. Once the infection clears up, so should the post nasal drip.

Stress as a Cause

If you still feel post nasal drip symptoms, nerves or stress could be to blame. The sensation you feel when you try and clear your throat can be very similar to post nasal drip (although there isn't any drip involved). If your throat muscles tighten and feel like you have a lump in your throat, your body could simply be tense. In that case, try some relaxation exercises to see if that makes a difference.

Sources:

American Academy of Family Physicians (AFP)

http://www.aafp.org/afp/990700ap/family.html
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0515/p2441.html

American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/postNasalDrip.cfm

View the original article here

Nasal Irrigation: A Logical Remedy for Congestion?

The cold and flu season is upon us, and with it comes the annoying, and sometimes debilitating, symptoms of the common cold. One treatment for congestion is nasal irrigation.

This hygienic practice flushes the nasal cavity in order to remove excess mucus and debris from the sinuses. While this may sound bizarre, many cultures have long utilized this alternative treatment as a way to relieve nasal congestion, chronic sinusitis, sinus-related headaches, facial pain, and runny nose.

Pro: It's been proven to help.
A study conducted by the Department of Family Medicine at University of Wisconsin, Madison found that daily saline nasal irrigation improved sinus-related quality of life, decreased symptoms, and decreased medication use in patients with frequent sinusitis.

Con: You may feel anxious.
Pouring something into your nose isn't something most of us do regularly. As a result, you may feel nervous about trying it the first time. Rest assured that, if done correctly, this is not an uncomfortable process.

Pro: It's safe for children.
Many cold remedies are not safe for children; however, because short-term nasal irrigation has virtually no side effects, a low-volume saline wash is safe for children. In fact, a study published in the Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery found that nasal irrigation with a saline solution of processed seawater may clear up children's cold symptoms faster than standard medication alone.

Con: It may sting.
Nasal irrigation should be virtually painless. If you experience a stinging or burning sensation, reduce the amount of saline you're mixing into your solution.

Pro: It works fast.
You should feel the benefits in the first or second use.

Con: There could be side effects.
Though uncommon, it's possible to experience nosebleed, headache, nasal irritation, earache, and nasal drainage as a result. Additionally, daily long-term use of nasal saline irrigation can increase the frequency of acute infection, according to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting. However, these findings do not apply to short term usage.

The premise is simple. When you're feeling congested or are experiencing sinus pressure, mucus and environmental debris clogs the passageways of the sinuses collecting germs and leading to discomfort and infection.

In order clear away the clogs and germs, nasal irrigation washes away the buildup in the nasal cavity. Here are some typical methods of performing nasal irrigation.

1. Saline spray. This product will rinse and moisturize your nasal passages, but you won't experience as full a cleansing as with the neti pot or bulb syringe.

2. Neti pot. This teapot-type vessel transmits warm water or saline solution in a gentle stream. Tilt your head to one side. Insert the spout into your upper nostril and slowly pour the solution. The water will flow out of your lower nostril. Blow your nose to clear debris, then repeat with the opposite nostril. This is one of the most popular forms of nasal irrigation.

3. Bulb syringe. While this method looks more like a turkey-baster than a teapot, the process is very much the same as the neti pot. There are also bottles that perform in a similar manner.

4. Pulsatile nasal irrigation. Pulsatile irrigation utilizes a device that produces an oscillating stream of saline washes that washes away excess debris. These mechanisms can be somewhat pricey; however, pulsatile irrigation attempts to mimic the gentler cleansing process that is present in nature-much like how rain drops move dirt downhill.

Sources:

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting: Abstract 32. Presented November 8, 2009.

Rabago D, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R.

Department of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Šlapak I, et al "Efficacy of isotonic nasal wash (seawater) in the treatment and prevention of rhinitis in children" Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008; 134: 67-74.

View the original article here

Does Chronic Nasal Congestion Worsen Asthma?

Think that your chronic nasal congestion is all in your head? Well, it may also be in your chest. According to the latest research findings, there is a strong link between rhinitis and severe asthma, particularly in those who suffer from a range of respiratory symptoms.

Chronic Nasal Congestion and Asthma

A study published in the journal Respiratory Research in 2010 reveals that having long-term stuffiness along with a runny nose may cause an immune system response that triggers serious asthma. The connection seems to magnify in patients whose asthma is presented in a variety of ways, such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

This information comes from the scientists of the Kresting Research Centre of the Sahlgrenska Academy, which is affiliated with the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. They studied a group of 30,000 residents of Western Sweden and found that the greater the nasal blockage, the greater the asthma symptoms. They also discovered that more people overall suffer from serious asthma than they had previously expected.

What this Means for You

If you find yourself coping with the discomfort of nasal symptoms along with your asthma, it's important to make an appointment to see your doctor. Chronic rhinitis is a very common problem and it can certainly worsen your asthma. The good news is that there are some key steps you can take to help head off the problem.

Prevent Nasal Congestion

When your nasal symptoms are related to allergies, using a corticosteroid nasal spray, taking allergy medications, and steering clear of allergens may help head off the discomfort and keep asthma at bay. For non-allergic rhinitis, avoiding smoke and other irritants, treating inflammation with a corticosteroid nasal spray, and taking decongestants can be helpful.

Other ways to treat sinus challenges include using steam from the shower, running a dehumidifier, and using a neti pot to open up your clogged passages.

Control Your Asthma

You should also make a point to talk to your doctor about ensuring that your treatment strategy addresses all of your symptoms. She can develop a detailed action plan to help you stay on top of your condition and manage it effectively. This will probably include taking your medication as directed, monitoring your symptoms on a daily basis, and making changes as needed to head off any asthma flares. You'll also want to take care and avoid getting ill, since this can cause rhinitis symptoms that can worsen asthma.

Sources:

Lotvall, Jan, Ekerljung, Linda, and Lundback, Bo. "Multi-Symptom Asthma is Closely Related to Nasal Blockage, Rhinorrhea and Symptoms of Chronic Rhinosinusitis - Evidence from the West Sweden Asthma Study." Respiratory Research 11 (1) 2010: 163. Web. 5 Jan. 2011.

"Tips to Remember: Asthma Triggers and Management." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. AAAAI.org, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2011.

"Tips to Remember: Rhinitis." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. AAAAI.org, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2011.

View the original article here

Nasal Irrigation: A Logical Remedy for Congestion?

The cold and flu season is upon us, and with it comes the annoying, and sometimes debilitating, symptoms of the common cold. One treatment for congestion is nasal irrigation.

This hygienic practice flushes the nasal cavity in order to remove excess mucus and debris from the sinuses. While this may sound bizarre, many cultures have long utilized this alternative treatment as a way to relieve nasal congestion, chronic sinusitis, sinus-related headaches, facial pain, and runny nose.

Pro: It's been proven to help.
A study conducted by the Department of Family Medicine at University of Wisconsin, Madison found that daily saline nasal irrigation improved sinus-related quality of life, decreased symptoms, and decreased medication use in patients with frequent sinusitis.

Con: You may feel anxious.
Pouring something into your nose isn't something most of us do regularly. As a result, you may feel nervous about trying it the first time. Rest assured that, if done correctly, this is not an uncomfortable process.

Pro: It's safe for children.
Many cold remedies are not safe for children; however, because short-term nasal irrigation has virtually no side effects, a low-volume saline wash is safe for children. In fact, a study published in the Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery found that nasal irrigation with a saline solution of processed seawater may clear up children's cold symptoms faster than standard medication alone.

Con: It may sting.
Nasal irrigation should be virtually painless. If you experience a stinging or burning sensation, reduce the amount of saline you're mixing into your solution.

Pro: It works fast.
You should feel the benefits in the first or second use.

Con: There could be side effects.
Though uncommon, it's possible to experience nosebleed, headache, nasal irritation, earache, and nasal drainage as a result. Additionally, daily long-term use of nasal saline irrigation can increase the frequency of acute infection, according to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting. However, these findings do not apply to short term usage.

The premise is simple. When you're feeling congested or are experiencing sinus pressure, mucus and environmental debris clogs the passageways of the sinuses collecting germs and leading to discomfort and infection.

In order clear away the clogs and germs, nasal irrigation washes away the buildup in the nasal cavity. Here are some typical methods of performing nasal irrigation.

1. Saline spray. This product will rinse and moisturize your nasal passages, but you won't experience as full a cleansing as with the neti pot or bulb syringe.

2. Neti pot. This teapot-type vessel transmits warm water or saline solution in a gentle stream. Tilt your head to one side. Insert the spout into your upper nostril and slowly pour the solution. The water will flow out of your lower nostril. Blow your nose to clear debris, then repeat with the opposite nostril. This is one of the most popular forms of nasal irrigation.

3. Bulb syringe. While this method looks more like a turkey-baster than a teapot, the process is very much the same as the neti pot. There are also bottles that perform in a similar manner.

4. Pulsatile nasal irrigation. Pulsatile irrigation utilizes a device that produces an oscillating stream of saline washes that washes away excess debris. These mechanisms can be somewhat pricey; however, pulsatile irrigation attempts to mimic the gentler cleansing process that is present in nature-much like how rain drops move dirt downhill.

Sources:

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting: Abstract 32. Presented November 8, 2009.

Rabago D, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R.

Department of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Šlapak I, et al "Efficacy of isotonic nasal wash (seawater) in the treatment and prevention of rhinitis in children" Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008; 134: 67-74.

View the original article here

Insulin Nasal Sprays May Help Treat Alzheimer's

Most people only think of insulin as helping to manage diabetes, but it's now proving to be something of a memory booster as well. A recent study has revealed that insulin can help restore memory and cognition in people affected by Alzheimer's disease.

In the study, conducted by the VA Puget Sound and the University of Washington, researchers delivered daily doses of either 20 IU of insulin, 40 IU of insulin, or a placebo through an intranasal nebulizer to 109 patients. The patients had either Alzheimer's or slight memory impairment. They found that patients who received a low dose of insulin did better on memory tests than patients who received a placebo, and that patients who received a higher dose of insulin were able to function better in their daily activities than those receiving the placebo. They did not, however, show any improvement in their functional abilities.

The team conducted a pilot study on young, healthy people before taking their quest to the Alzheimer's population. In that earlier study, intranasal insulin boosted memory without changing the subjects' glucose or insulin levels, which gave the team hope that delivering insulin through the nose enables it to work directly on the brain, which uses sugar for energy, and averts side effects in other parts of the body. Insulin aids the brain in its sugar usage.

But as promising as insulin therapy is for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers, it's not an option yet for the public. We are still in [the] beginning phases of determining long-term safety and efficacy, so it is unlikely that this approach will be available for the next five years," says Dr. Suzanne Craft, the study's lead. As the U.S. population ages and Alzheimer's becomes more prevalent, the medical community hopes to find new and better therapies to respond to this difficult disease.

Sources:

Alzheimer Research Forum, www.alzforum.org;

Dr. Suzanne Craft, University of Washington.

View the original article here