Dr. Consultancy

Postnasal drip

Postnasal Drip

Overview

Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the nose and throat. This condition is caused by overactive mucus glands in the nose, throat, and sinuses.

Normally, mucus is a thick, slippery substance that traps germs, pollen, and pollutants from the air we breathe, preventing these particles from entering the lungs. However, when the body produces too much mucus, it can drip down the throat, causing discomfort and other symptoms.

Symptoms

Common signs of postnasal drip include:

  • Sore or scratchy throat

  • Nausea from swallowed excess mucus

  • Frequent throat clearing

  • Excessive spitting up or swallowing mucus

  • Foul breath (halitosis)

  • Cough, often worsening at night

Effects

  • Chronic throat irritation and discomfort

  • Persistent cough, which can disturb sleep

  • Bad breath due to mucus accumulation

  • Increased risk of throat or sinus infections

  • Reduced quality of life from ongoing irritation and discomfort

Treatment

1. Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes:

  • Stay hydrated to thin mucus

  • Use saline nasal sprays or rinses to clear nasal passages

  • Elevate the head while sleeping to reduce nighttime drip

  • Avoid allergens and irritants, such as smoke or strong perfumes

2. Medications:

  • Antihistamines for allergies

  • Decongestants to reduce mucus production

  • Nasal corticosteroid sprays for chronic inflammation

  • Cough suppressants if coughing is severe

3. Medical Care:

  • Treat underlying causes such as sinus infections, GERD, or allergies

  • Consult an ENT specialist if symptoms persist or worsen

Medicine

Rhinophyma

Overview

Rhinophyma is a skin disorder characterized by a large, red, bumpy, or bulbous nose. It is considered a subtype of severe rosacea (specifically phymatous rosacea).

The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to result from chronic inflammation of the skin and possibly abnormal blood vessel growth. Rhinophyma is much more common in men, especially between the ages of 50 and 70.

Symptoms

  • Random facial flushing

  • Red, blotchy areas in the center of the face

  • Recurrent bumps and pimples, often mistaken for acne

  • Telangiectasia – visible, swollen tiny blood vessels on the nose and cheeks

  • Very sensitive skin

  • Ocular rosacea – burning or gritty sensation in the eyes

  • Conjunctivitis (redness and inflammation of the eyes)

  • Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)

  • Gradual growth into a swollen, bulbous shape of the nose

Effects / Complications

  • Cosmetic disfigurement leading to psychological or social distress

  • Nasal obstruction in severe cases, which can impair breathing

  • Persistent redness and thickened skin if untreated

  • Potential eye complications if ocular rosacea is present

Treatment

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling rosacea, and improving appearance:

  1. Medications

    • Topical antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole) or azelaic acid for mild inflammation

    • Oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) for more severe cases

    • Isotretinoin in resistant or severe cases

  2. Surgical / Procedural Options

    • Laser therapy to remove excess tissue and improve skin texture

    • Electrosurgery or dermabrasion for reshaping the nose

    • Surgical excision in severe cases with significant nasal deformity

  3. Lifestyle & Skin Care

    • Avoid triggers such as alcohol, hot beverages, spicy foods, and extreme temperatures

    • Gentle skin care routine to reduce irritation

Early intervention can prevent severe progression and reduce the risk of disfigurement.

Medicine

Rhinorrhoea

Overview

A runny nose is the excess nasal drainage that may be a thin, clear fluid, thick secretion, or something in between. The drainage can flow out of the nose, down the back of the throat, or both.

  • Rhinorrhea specifically refers to thin, mostly clear nasal discharge.

  • Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal tissues, which often causes a runny nose.

Common causes include:

  • Colds and flu: Viral infections increase mucus production and nasal congestion.

  • Allergies: Exposure to allergens (pollen, dust, pet dander) can trigger nasal inflammation.

  • Crying: Tears drain through tear ducts into the nasal cavity.

  • Cold weather: Can trigger reflex nasal mucus production.

  • Irritants: Smoke, strong odors, or pollution can cause nasal discharge.

Symptoms

  • A runny nose (clear or colored mucus)

  • Persistent nasal congestion or stuffiness

  • Postnasal drip (mucus draining down the throat)

  • Decreased or absent sense of smell

  • Loss of sense of taste

  • Facial pain or headache

  • Pain in upper teeth

  • Snoring

Effects / Complications

  • Discomfort and sleep disturbance due to congestion or postnasal drip

  • Sore throat from continuous postnasal drainage

  • Ear infections if mucus backs up into the Eustachian tubes

  • Sinus infections (sinusitis) from prolonged nasal blockage

  • Nasal irritation or nosebleeds from frequent blowing

Treatment

  1. Self-care / Home Remedies

    • Stay hydrated to thin mucus

    • Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist

    • Saline nasal sprays or rinses to clear nasal passages

    • Avoid irritants like smoke and strong odors

  2. Medications

    • Antihistamines for allergies (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine)

    • Decongestants for temporary relief (e.g., pseudoephedrine, nasal sprays – short-term use only)

    • Nasal corticosteroid sprays for chronic inflammation

    • Pain relievers for headaches or facial pain (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

  3. Medical Treatment

    • If bacterial infection is suspected (rare), antibiotics may be prescribed

    • Allergy testing and immunotherapy in chronic allergic cases

    • ENT evaluation for persistent or unexplained rhinorrhea

 

Medicine

Sinus

Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)

Overview

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and infected. This inflammation can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens.

  • Sinus infections often follow a cold but aren’t always caused by it.

  • Risk factors include allergies, asthma, nasal blockages, or weakened immune systems.

  • Sinus infections are common, leading to millions of doctor visits and substantial healthcare costs annually.

Symptoms

  • Sore throat

  • Cough

  • Headache

  • Stuffy nose / nasal congestion

  • Mucus buildup / postnasal drip

  • Sneezing

  • Fatigue

  • Swollen sinuses / facial pressure

  • Fever (usually low-grade in adults; higher in children)

Effects / Complications

  • Chronic sinusitis if untreated, leading to persistent nasal congestion and facial pain

  • Spread of infection to nearby structures (rarely, to eyes or brain)

  • Sleep disturbances due to nasal blockage

  • Reduced quality of life from ongoing pain, fatigue, and headaches

Treatment

1. Home & Supportive Care

  • Rest and adequate hydration

  • Warm compresses to reduce sinus pressure

  • Saline nasal sprays or irrigation to clear mucus

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

2. Medications

  • Antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections (not for viral causes)

  • Decongestants to reduce swelling (short-term use only)

  • Nasal corticosteroids for inflammation, especially with allergies

  • Antihistamines if allergies are contributing

3. When to See a Doctor

  • Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement

  • Severe facial pain, high fever, or swelling around eyes

  • Recurrent infections

 

Medicine

Snoring

Snoring

Overview

Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air passes through relaxed tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate during breathing.

  • Almost everyone snores occasionally, but chronic snoring can be a sign of a serious health problem.

  • Snoring can also disturb a partner’s sleep and affect relationships.

  • Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and sleeping on your side, may help reduce snoring.

Symptoms

  • Loud snoring that may disturb others’ sleep

  • Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Morning headaches

  • Sore throat upon awakening

  • Restless sleep

  • Gasping or choking at night

  • High blood pressure

  • Chest pain during sleep

Snoring is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Not all snorers have OSA, but persistent snoring with the above symptoms should be evaluated.

Effects / Complications

  • Daytime fatigue and sleepiness

  • Cognitive problems: difficulty concentrating, memory issues

  • Mood disturbances: irritability or depression

  • Increased risk of cardiovascular problems: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke

  • Relationship strain due to disrupted sleep

  • Sleep apnea complications if untreated

Treatment

1. Lifestyle Changes

  • Lose excess weight

  • Avoid alcohol, sedatives, or smoking before bedtime

  • Sleep on your side instead of your back

  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

2. Medical Devices / Therapies

  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea

  • Oral appliances to keep the airway open

  • Nasal strips or dilators for mild snoring

3. Surgical Options (for structural issues)

  • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – removal of excess throat tissue

  • Tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy (especially in children)

  • Septoplasty for a deviated septum

  • Laser therapy or radiofrequency tissue reduction

 

Medicine

Nasal Fracture

Broken Nose (Nasal Fracture)

Overview

A broken nose, also known as a nasal fracture, is a crack or break in one of the nasal bones, usually over the bridge of the nose. It commonly occurs due to contact sports, falls, fights, or motor vehicle accidents that cause facial trauma.

A broken nose often results in pain, swelling, bruising around the nose and eyes, and sometimes difficulty in breathing. The nose may also appear crooked or misshapen.

In most cases, treatment involves realignment and supportive care. Surgery is only required if the fracture is severe or causes major functional/cosmetic problems.

Symptoms

  • Pain or tenderness, especially when touching the nose

  • Swelling of the nose and surrounding areas

  • Nosebleeds (bleeding from the nose)

  • Bruising around the nose or under the eyes (black eye)

  • Crooked or misshapen nose

  • Difficulty breathing through the nose

  • Discharge of mucus or blood

  • Blocked feeling in one or both nostrils

Effects (Complications if Untreated)

  • Persistent nasal deformity (crooked nose)

  • Chronic nasal obstruction or breathing difficulty

  • Frequent sinus infections due to blocked nasal passages

  • Septal hematoma (collection of blood inside nasal septum)

  • Sleep problems like snoring or sleep apnea

  • Rarely, vision disturbances (if injury is severe)

Treatment

Immediate Care

  • Apply cold compress/ice packs to reduce swelling.

  • Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping.

  • Control bleeding by leaning forward and pinching the nostrils gently.

Medical Treatment

  • Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen).

  • Manual realignment by a doctor (within 14 days of injury).

  • Splinting the nose to stabilize the fracture.

  • Antibiotics if there is a risk of infection.

  • Surgery (septorhinoplasty) in severe cases with deformity or breathing problems.

Homeopathic Support (Complementary Use)

  • Arnica Montana – for pain, swelling, and bruising after trauma.

  • Symphytum Officinale – to support bone healing.

  • Belladonna – for throbbing pain with redness and heat.

  • Ruta Graveolens – for soreness and pain in cartilage and periosteum.

 

Medicine

Diseases

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