Post-nasal drip can leave you with constant throat clearing, coughing, and a scratchy, irritated feeling that disrupts your sleep and daily comfort. Dr. Ryan E. Stern, MD, our board-certified ENT, helps pinpoint the root cause and offer personalized minimally invasive solutions.
Always Feeling Mucus in Your Throat?
Post-nasal drip happens when excess mucus builds up in the back of your nose and throat instead of draining normally. Rather than swallowing small amounts without noticing, you feel mucus constantly dripping, which can trigger throat clearing, coughing, hoarseness, or a sore throat. It’s often linked to allergies, chronic sinus inflammation, nasal congestion, or structural issues inside the nose. Ongoing moisture and seasonal allergens can prolong the symptoms, turning what seems minor into a daily frustration.
Signs & Symptoms of Post-Nasal Drip
Post-nasal drip can show up in subtle but frustrating ways, often affecting your throat, voice, and overall comfort.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Constant throat clearing
- Sensation of mucus dripping in the throat
- Chronic cough, especially at night
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Sore or irritated throat
- Bad breath related to mucus buildup
- Feeling of a lump or something stuck in the throat
What Causes Post-Nasal Drip?
Your nose and sinuses normally produce mucus to trap dust, allergens, and germs, then move it quietly down your throat. When the nasal lining becomes inflamed or irritated, mucus production increases or thickens, making drainage more noticeable and uncomfortable. Structural issues can also change how mucus flows.
Common causes of post-nasal drip include:
- Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, or dust
- Chronic sinus inflammation or sinus infections
- Nasal congestion from colds or environmental irritants
- Deviated nasal septum affecting normal drainage
- Enlarged turbinates narrowing the nasal airway
- Acid reflux irritating the throat and nasal lining
Post-nasal Drip Treatment
Your visit starts with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Stern, during which he carefully reviews your symptoms, triggers, and how long the drainage has been present. He performs a detailed nasal exam and often uses a small camera (nasal endoscopy) to look at your nasal passages, turbinates, sinus openings, and drainage pathways. This helps pinpoint whether inflammation, allergies, sinus disease, or anatomical factors are disrupting normal mucus flow.
Treatment is based on what’s actually causing the problem. This may include targeted medical therapy for allergies or inflammation, reflux management, or minimally invasive procedures to improve nasal airflow and drainage. If structural issues such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates are involved, Dr. Stern may recommend precise, tissue-sparing treatments, such as turbinate reduction or radiofrequency, to open airflow and restore proper drainage.
Why Choose Dr. Stern?
Dr. Ryan E. Stern is a board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head & Neck Surgeon with 25+ years of clinical experience focused on sinus and nasal care. For nearly 30 years, he has cared for patients across the Pacific Northwest, offering minimally invasive solutions whenever possible to help relieve symptoms with minimal downtime. If post-nasal drip is affecting your comfort, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stern in Auburn or Federal Way, WA, to explore your options.
