The human nose is a natural filter picking up dust particles, bacteria and other air pollutants on a daily basis. With the normal production of mucus, the debris collected is then swept to the back of the throat by millions of tiny hair like structures called cilia. These cilia line the nasal cavity and then are swallowed. Once in the stomach the acids destroy any dangerous bacteria. Although this sounds pretty disgusting, it is a routine bodily function that most people do not notice because the mucus is very thin.
Under normal circumstances this does not cause any problem. But if the mucus stays at the back of the throat, the anaerobic bacteria will do its work, breaking down the proteins present in the mucus and phlegm. Once the bacteria start this, they liberate the sulfuric compounds which are released along with the breath and cause bad breath. The post nasal drip thus transforms natural breath into foul breath.
Anaerobic bacteria flourish in phlegm and mucus because these substances offer them protection from external threats, and provide them with nourishment that they need. Milk, dairy products and foods that are rich in protein are also very attractive to these anaerobic bacteria.
The sinus is also a home for the bacteria and protein which are found in the mucus. These are broken down into amino acids which is food for the bacteria. The anaerobic bacteria is thus in its element and can go ahead and produce the sulfur compounds which cause bad breath. People who are ill with colds and flu typically have a lot of mucus and may also suffer from bad breath.
This halitosis-causing mucus can be eliminated by taking antihistamines or other cold remedies. Once you take a sufficient dosage of these medications, the postnasal drip will be reduced, opening up your nasal passages for easier breathing. That's the advantage of cold remedies. However, they also have a disadvantage. In the process of clearing your nasal passages, they also dry out your mouth, which is another likely cause of halitosis. To rectify this situation, all you have to do is drink plenty of liquids while taking your antihistamines and cold medications. If this is not practical, you may also chew gum in order to stimulate the continuous flow of saliva, which is also good for keeping your mouth hydrated, preventing the anaerobic bacteria from thriving.
It is vital to keep the mucus thin. You do not want to have the feeling that something solid is stuck at the back of your throat that you find impossible to get rid of. If you take steam via a steamer, take a hot shower or go for a sauna, you will find that the mucus become thin and easier to expel. You can add few herbs to the water in the humidifier to help you breathe better. You should also take in lots of hot liquids like soups and teas. If you drink thin soups and peppermint or other herbal teas, you will find they soothe the throat and also help with the post nasal drip.
If you want relief, you can tray a nasal sinus formula or an irrigator to flush out the sinuses, to minimize the post nasal drip. Nasal sinus drops also help in getting rid of mucus build-up. AktivOxigen tablets can be used as a mouthwash or a rinse and because they contain oxygen they help in getting rid of the anaerobic bacterial which produce sulfur compounds which in turn produce bad breath.
Now you know that if you have colds, you will definitely have mucus buildup in your throat passages. If you do not take measures to eliminate this buildup, they will eventually attract bacteria that will break down the amino acids in the mucus. In this process, volatile sulfur compounds may be produced, which have a smell equivalent to that of rotten eggs. If you don't want to experience this nasty condition, you must use mouthwash and other oral medications to prevent the accumulation of mucus. If over the counter medications do not work, you can always go to your doctor and ask for a recommendation.