Postnasal Drip Without Runny Nose

What is Postnasal Drip Without Runny Nose?

When the body produces more mucus than the usual amount, some of the mucus comes goes back to the throat and arises postnasal drip without runny nose.  

Mucus is a protective substance for your body, and that is required. The mucus produces in the nose, sinus, respiratory passage, lungs, mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract.  

The mucus keeps the tracts moisturized, warm and traps external substances such as particles and bacteria. 

Normally, the body produces an average amount of mucus every day that is required for the body. But Sometimes, the body produces an excessive amount of mucus.

When the mucus goes back to the throat posteriorly from your nose, there is no runny nose called postnasal drip without a runny nose. On the other hand, when the mucus goes back to the throat posteriorly from your nose, and there is a runny nose along with it is called the postnasal drip runny nose. 

Postnasal Drip Without Runny Nose Causes

Multiple causes and factors can be associated with post nasal drip. The most common causes may include;

• Common cold
• Certain flues
• Allergies
• Allergic rhinitis
• In the case of children, a foreign object stuck in the nose
• Sinusitis
• Pregnancy
• Medications including blood pressure and contraceptive pills
• Abnormalities in the nasal septum include deviated septum and other causes. 
• Weather change (heat or cold)
• Food allergy
• Chemical and industrial fumes that cause irritation

These causes may lead to excess mucus production and subsequently postnasal drip with or without a runny nose. 

Sometimes, your nose cannot remove the mucus, which may arise postnasal drip without a runny nose. It’s one of the most irritating nasal conditions. 

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Postnasal Drip Without Runny Nose Symptoms

The symptoms of postnasal drip without runny nose include both nasal and throat syndromes. 

• The unclear threat, you constantly want to clear the throat.
• A persistent cough ( the cough doesn’t go away)
• Scratchy throat, sometimes you may want to itch inside the throat.
• Hoarseness of the voice because of mucus stuck in the throat
• The mucus can reach up to your middle ear and cause ear infections. The infection becomes progressive if it gets infected by bacteria. 
• Sinusitis (sinus can get infected due to accumulation of excessive mucus)

Postnasal Drip Without Runny Nose Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Postnasal drip is more clinical. If there is blood coming out of your nose with mucus, the doctor may suspect bacterial contamination and give you some blood tests. 

The doctor may give you an X-ray, CT scan, or other imaging tests to understand the nose’s structure. 

Make sure you take all your medical documents while visiting a doctor. The medical history is essential for any diagnosis and treatment. 

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Postnasal Drip Without Runny Nose Treatment

The treatment of postnasal drip without a runny nose depends on the cause of the condition. Eliminating the cause is the primary treatment option. 

If the postnasal drip is caused by bacterial contamination, prescribing a certain antibiotic is the treatment.  

Viruses cause the cold and flu. In that case, the treatment procedure contains antiviral drugs and some other supportive and symptomatic treatments. 

Sinusitis is often caused by hypersensitivity, and that leads to postnasal drip. It’s treated by antihistamine, reducing sensitivity and thus treating the mucus plugging problem. 

Postnasal Drip Without Runny Nose Home Remedy

There are some home remedies for primary treatment of the condition. If the home remedies do not help, consult a doctor to get rid of them. 

Drinking Enough Water

Sometimes the postnasal drip is caused by thick mucus that is more viscous and cannot move properly and get out of the body. 

Drinking enough water helps the mucus to get thinner and get out of the body easily without getting stuck. 

Nasal Saline Sprays

Using nasal sprays helps dilute the mucus and other substances stuck inside the nose to get out. 

Try not to use nasal spray on children without consulting a doctor.

Water Vapor

Taking a warm water vapor helps to get rid of stuck mucus. You may also use an electric humidifier. However, it’s may not worth using water vapor if you are repeatedly suffering postnasal drip.

Warm Foods

People have been using hot chicken soup for years to get rid of runny noses. It’s an easy and effective method for relieving postnasal drip with or without a runny nose. 

Hot soup and hot drinks such as tea or coffee helps relax the surrounding structure and help thin the mucus. So, subsequently, the mucus gets out of the body, and you feel such a relief. 

Taking a hot drink or food before sleep may give you a painless undisturbed sleep. 

Postnasal Drip Without Runny Nose Prevention

There is no absolute prevention of postnasal drip, but you may follow some instructions that may help you to prevent it. 

• Use a pollen-free bedsheet and pillow cover
• Keep your bed, carped, and entire house dust-free
• Do not go out on a sandy area or dusty area without a proper mask
• Keep your house moisturized by using a humidifier
• Clean your room or car heater clean
• If you are washing your nose canals, use warm water
• Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of small particles
• Sleep on a perfectly aligned pillow; you may elevate your pillow and watch for improvement

When To Call A Doctor

Some symptoms indicate you should consult a doctor without hesitating. 

• Uncontrolled fever
• Breathing difficulty
• Wheezing
• Mucus containing blood
• Painful nose condition
• Bad smell coming out of the nose
• Smelly mucus
• Remedies are not working

Takeaway

Postnasal drip can occur with or without a runny nose. If your mucus is thin, you are more likely to experience a runny nose. On the other hand, if your mucus is thick and stuck inside your nose and throat, you won’t experience a runny nose. 

According to some patients’ statements, a postnasal drip without a runny nose is more irritating than a runny nose.

According to specialists, postnasal drip without a runny nose is more likely to be infected. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Learn From Doctor Team