Nasal drip is the flow of body secretions of varying consistency and amount into the back of the nose and throat. Normally, the glands lining the inside of the nose and sinuses secrete 250-500 ml per day. produces secretion. This secretion moves backwards through small mobile hairs on the mucosal surface that can be seen with a microscope. This is then swallowed unconsciously without realizing it. This secretion wets the membranes, humidifies the air, retains and cleans inhaled foreign substances, and fights against infections. Production and cleaning of this epidemic; It depends on the relationship between nerves, blood vessels, glands, hormones and small hairs.
Increased thin and clean secretion causes colds, flu (upper respiratory tract viral infection), allergies, cold weather, bright light, some foods and spices, It is seen in conditions such as pregnancy and hormonal changes, medications including birth control pills and some blood pressure medications, and intranasal bone curvature. Vasomotor rhinitis is a non-allergic condition that causes excessive secretion and stuffy nose complaints. Increased thick secretion is often seen in houses and buildings that are wetted without humidification during the winter months and where the humidity decreases. In addition, it is also seen in sinus and nasal infections and allergies to poultry products. If the cold secretion thickens over time and starts to turn yellow or green, an infection caused by bacteria is probably developing. Besides; In children, it may also be a sign of a foreign object stuck in the nose (beans, peas, a piece of paper, a part of a toy, etc.).
The decrease in the epidemic may be due to one of the following reasons:
1. Exposure to environmental irritants for a long time, can dry out the nose and damage the membranes (cigarette smoke, industrial fumes, car fumes). When the secretion decreases, it is thicker than normal and gives the wrong feeling of increased.
2. Structural disorders (nasal septum curvatures) change the air flow, causing the nasal membranes to dry (increases or decreases the secretion depending on the structural disorder).
3. Mucus membranes shrink and dry out with age. This causes less and thicker secretion than normal and the person feels postnasal drip.
4. D Other rare causes also cause this feeling by making changes in the membranes.
Apart from these, a feeling of postnasal drip may occur as a result of stomach acid secretion escaping into the esophagus and pharynx.
Treatment
A diagnosis must be made before starting treatment. This includes a detailed ear, nose and throat examination and possibly some laboratory, endoscopic and x-ray studies. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, but these provide temporary relief. In chronic sinusitis, a surgical intervention is needed to open the closed sinuses.
Allergy can be controlled by eliminating the cause. Antihistamines and decongestants, cromolyn and steroid nasal sprays, other forms of steroids, and hyposensitization (vaccine therapy) may be used for treatment. However, some histamines cause drying and thicken the secretion even more. Gastroesophageal reflux is treated by lifting the head of the bed 12-15 cm, removing late night snacks, and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine. Antacids or medications that stop stomach acid production may be prescribed. Trial treatment may be applied before other diagnostic methods are applied.
Structural disorders require surgical correction. Septum deviation prevents the sinuses from draining normally and causes chronic sinusitis. A protrusion in the septum causes irritation and abnormal secretion. A hole in the septum causes scabbing. Enlarged and deformed turbinates (structures that emerge from the side walls of the nose and regulate and moisten the airflow) or polyps (growths resulting from infection, allergy or irritation) may also cause the same complaints.
In some cases, no specific cause can be found. If there is no disease that can be cured, the treatment is to thin the epidemic so that it can flow more easily. This is especially true for older people with inadequate fluid intake. These patients should drink at least eight glasses of water a day, avoid caffeine, and use diuretics if appropriate. Guaifenesin or organic iodine can be used to thin the secretion. Guaifenesin very rarely causes side effects. Rarely, when organic iodine is used, if swelling of the salivary glands or a rash develops on the body, the drug should be discontinued.
Rinse the nose with water. It helps correct thick and decreased secretion in bleeding. This can be applied two to six times a day with a special shower made for the nose. This liquid can be made by adding baking soda or salt to hot water. Finally, simple saline solutions that do not require a prescription are used to moisturize the nose.
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