Mucus is produced by the nose to help clean and warm the air being inhaled. This fluid is swallowed to clean and moisten the rear part of the throat. In case there is excess production of mucus or the mucus becomes thicker than usual, the symptoms of postnasal drip can manifest. In some individuals, the condition is minor while others end up with complications that require treatment.
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Swallowing issues
Once the mucus starts to build up in the throat, it can clog the larynx, trachea and/or bronchi in the lungs. This can affect the voice of the individual and make it hard to swallow while eating. Difficulty swallowing is often worse among the elderly whose swallowing muscles are no longer strong or during nighttime when the muscles are not as active and during periods of stress when the throat muscles can spasm. In case the throat is swollen or there is unusual growth in the throat, the symptoms of postnasal drip can become worse.
Chronic coughing
Once there is excess accumulation of mucus in the throat, the individual is urged to clear it out. If not treated, postnasal drip can cause coughing that can become chronic. The coughing can become severe up to a point that the sleep of the individual is disrupted, thus affecting the ability to work and can lead to chest pain and difficulty eating.
Postnasal drip that is accompanied by a sinus infection or allergy can produce mucus that is green or yellow in color. This indicates an infection that requires medical attention. The proper treatment of the underlying issue often helps alleviate the symptoms of postnasal drip.
Difficulty breathing
Severe cases of postnasal drip can trigger issues with the vocal cords. Excess production of mucus can cause the vocal cords to close rather than open when attempting to breathe. This causes symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest and throat, feeling that there is a lump in the throat and choking. The doctor will perform tests to determine if postnasal drop is the cause.
Sinus and ear infections
In most circumstances, postnasal drip does not cause serious complications. On the other hand, it can block the Eustachian tube in some individuals. The Eustachian tube travels from the ears up to the nose and helps maintain the air pressure inside the ears.
Once this tube is clogged, it can result to chronic ear infections. Substantial amount of mucus can also block the sinus passageways and lead to a sinus infection. It is recommended to seek immediate medical attention if the symptoms persist longer than 3 weeks among older children and adults, longer than 10 days among children 3 years old and younger and if there is fever or the mucus is colored or foul smelling.