Post nasal drip (PND) is a symptomthat can be very difficult to correct especially if it is chronic.  It is a continual flow of mucus from thenasal passages and sinuses. Leaving it untreated can allow it to develop andcause a variety of health problems and leave you feeling ill and miserable.

Sinusitis conditions may go hand inhand with post nasal drip, so getting relief from the PND could alleviate sinusproblems as well.

What Causes a PND?

Mucus is a natural defense mechanismcreated by the body. When the production of mucus is increased, it is done soto fight an infection or allergy.

If it is not disposed of by aproperly functioning system, mucus can cause post nasal drip and otherinfections.

This condition is mainly caused bysinusitis, rhinitis, acid reflux, or by allergies. It may be experienced at anytime of the year.

Post nasal drip could also betriggered by a great change in weather. This means that if you are residing ina country that frequently changes its weather from very warm to very cold, youare most likely prone to acquiring post nasal drip. Therefore, your home shouldbe a good place that could regulate the temperature in your area.

Post nasal drip could lead to thefollowing if left untreated:

   * Sore Throat

   * Upper Respiratory Infections

   * Ear Infections

   * Sinus Infections

   * Bad Breath

Because PND causes symptoms that canbe annoying and difficult to deal with, it is important to take steps to makethe symptoms less noticeable and not too bothersome.

?        The most important remedy for PND is blowing your nosefrequently in order to rid the sinuses of the excess mucus being produced. Thiscan also prevent mucus from dripping from the nose; since the amount of mucus issignificantly decreased each time you blow your nose.

?        If the cause of post nasal drip is an allergy,antihistamines and decongestants might be recommended. However, there are prosand cons to these remedies. Antihistamines may be sedating and may make youdrowsy. Decongestants may aggravate hypertension, heart and thyroid disease. Inany case, the cause of the allergy would have to be avoided as much aspossible.

?        Nasal irrigation is another one of the suggested methods forcuring post nasal drip. You can use a neti pot or squeeze bottles of a salinesolution to clear up thickened mucus from your throat. A pulsating device isalso considered because it emits saline solution in about the same frequencythat cilia oscillate, making the cilia more active since they are beingstimulated at their usual frequency.

?        Steam inhalation is not recommended because even if it doesbring circulation and moisture to the nose and sinus areas, hot steam caninactivate the cilia. And if the nose has swollen membranes, the steam just keepsthe moisture in the tissue from evaporating.

There are several reported causesfor post nasal drip, but no matter how hard you try to combat this, there isstill a great chance and possibility to reacquire it all over again. So propercare for the nose and sinuses should be practiced in order to prevent it fromhappening too often.

To read more about curing sinusitiswith nasal drip, visit .You can also see related topics, as well as treatment programs,  at .