Where does mucus from post nasal drip go?

As you can see from the diagram above, mucus has two main “exit avenues” from the body: it can either be expelled through your nose, or it can become mixed with your saliva and drain down the back of your throat into your stomach, after which it exits your body by the same means as anything else that goes through your …

Can post nasal drip cause an upper respiratory infection?

The postnasal drip of a common cold can cause mild, non-productive coughing, which signals an upper respiratory tract infection.

Does post nasal drip cause mucus in throat?

It drips down the back of your nose into the back of your throat, mixes with saliva, and is swallowed without you noticing it. However, post nasal drip can cause mucus to build up or become thicker than normal, and you may notice an irritating feeling of it dripping down the back of your throat.

How much mucus can your sinuses produce?

1) You produce about 1.5 quarts of mucus a day — and swallow the vast majority.

How do I get rid of persistent post nasal drip?

How to stop postnasal drip

1. Staying hydrated, which can also help to thin mucus.
2. Use a humidifier or vaporizer to keep the air moist.
3. Propping yourself up with extra pillows when you sleep, so the mucus doesn’t collect in the back of your throat.
4. An oral medication such as guaifenesin (Mucinex), which can thin mucus.

What dries up post nasal drainage?

Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip. Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) can work to get rid of postnasal drip. However, these are more effective after you take them for several days.

Does post-nasal drip cause shortness of breath?

Post nasal drip can be a trigger for an asthma attack, causing cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, the inflamed airways can produce additional mucus, further narrowing the space through which air can pass through.