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Do Hormones Affect Post Nasal Drip?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Oct 2014
Question: Can postnasal drip be related to hormones? Like before you start your period?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it is related

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

Hormones do effect post nasal drip and Estrogen is one main trigger for the mucosa resulting in increased mucus which leads to dripping.

If you take some oral contraceptive pills then that may cause the dripping as it has estrogen in it.

When excess mucus – whether it's a watery or sticky discharge – drips from the back of the nose into the upper part of the throat known as the nasopharynx, it is referred to as postnasal drip. It is often associated with catarrh, which refers to an excessive mucus build-up most often in the sinuses but also in the throat, ears or chest.

Mucus is produced by glands located in the nose, throat and airways as well as in the digestive tract. Normally it is an immune system response to help protect the body by moistening these areas to trap and destroy foreign invaders, including viruses and bacteria. In fact, the mucus from the nose mixes with saliva and usually drips down the back of your throat throughout the day without you noticing it. However, when there is too much mucus produced in the nose or it becomes too thick, it has two options: to run from the front of your nose (a runny nose) or down the back of the throat (a postnasal drip).

There are a number of reasons that the glands in the nose may produce excess mucus such as:

Colds and flu
Sinus infections or sinusitis (an inflammation of the sinus)
Allergies such as a reaction to pollen, animals and dust mites
An object stuck in the nose (usually in a child)
Pregnancy
Medications (such as blood pressure medicines and contraceptive pills)
A deviated septum (a problem with the wall between the two nostrils), nasal polyp (a fleshy swelling inside the nose) or other physical problem within the nose
Cold temperatures, excess dryness or change in weather patterns
Spicy foods and other food triggers
Fumes produced by cleaning products, perfumes, smoke and other chemicals and irritants

People with a postnasal drip may feel a constant need to clear their throat. Mucus contains inflammatory elements so it can irritate the throat, leading to a sore throat and hoarseness, and it can trigger a cough. A chronic cough is often associated with postnasal drip.

Postnasal drip is generally more noticeable at night, especially when lying down to sleep. It can block the Eustachian tube, which joins the throat to the middle ear, leading to a painful ear infection. If sinus passages become blocked, a postnasal drip can cause a sinus infection.

Treatment will depend on the cause. Often a postnasal drip will clear up by itself. If a viral infection or sinusitis is involved, antihistamines and decongestants may be useful, though decongestants are only for short-term relief. These can also be useful for treating postnasal drip associated with allergies, along with nasal sprays and steroid medications.


I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the disucssion please. May the odds be ever in your favour.

Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (15 hours later)
Im about to start my period and ive had postnasal drip and its causing my throat to be sore. Im on birth control could that be a reason why?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes It can

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
As we discussed birth Control pills contain estrogen and it plays a role in post nasal dripping so yes it may be the cause and It may not be the only cause

All you need is some decongestant and consult to an otorhinilaryngologist for further management.

Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)
Last thing, i work at a frozen yogurt place and i wash dishes and use a lot of chemicals. My hands use to be fine with it, but now they react to it badly. They get red, dry, and itchy and roug. I dont know if you can see clearly in the pic. But could it be from chemicals? h
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
irritant contact dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It can be irritant contact dermatitis, It is unlikely to be allergic since you said you didn't have that previously. The best way to treat irritant contact dermatitis is to remove exposure, that you may do by wearing protective gloves while doing dishes. Thank you.
Take care
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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Do Hormones Affect Post Nasal Drip?

Brief Answer: Yes it is related Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking Hormones do effect post nasal drip and Estrogen is one main trigger for the mucosa resulting in increased mucus which leads to dripping. If you take some oral contraceptive pills then that may cause the dripping as it has estrogen in it. When excess mucus – whether it's a watery or sticky discharge – drips from the back of the nose into the upper part of the throat known as the nasopharynx, it is referred to as postnasal drip. It is often associated with catarrh, which refers to an excessive mucus build-up most often in the sinuses but also in the throat, ears or chest. Mucus is produced by glands located in the nose, throat and airways as well as in the digestive tract. Normally it is an immune system response to help protect the body by moistening these areas to trap and destroy foreign invaders, including viruses and bacteria. In fact, the mucus from the nose mixes with saliva and usually drips down the back of your throat throughout the day without you noticing it. However, when there is too much mucus produced in the nose or it becomes too thick, it has two options: to run from the front of your nose (a runny nose) or down the back of the throat (a postnasal drip). There are a number of reasons that the glands in the nose may produce excess mucus such as: Colds and flu Sinus infections or sinusitis (an inflammation of the sinus) Allergies such as a reaction to pollen, animals and dust mites An object stuck in the nose (usually in a child) Pregnancy Medications (such as blood pressure medicines and contraceptive pills) A deviated septum (a problem with the wall between the two nostrils), nasal polyp (a fleshy swelling inside the nose) or other physical problem within the nose Cold temperatures, excess dryness or change in weather patterns Spicy foods and other food triggers Fumes produced by cleaning products, perfumes, smoke and other chemicals and irritants People with a postnasal drip may feel a constant need to clear their throat. Mucus contains inflammatory elements so it can irritate the throat, leading to a sore throat and hoarseness, and it can trigger a cough. A chronic cough is often associated with postnasal drip. Postnasal drip is generally more noticeable at night, especially when lying down to sleep. It can block the Eustachian tube, which joins the throat to the middle ear, leading to a painful ear infection. If sinus passages become blocked, a postnasal drip can cause a sinus infection. Treatment will depend on the cause. Often a postnasal drip will clear up by itself. If a viral infection or sinusitis is involved, antihistamines and decongestants may be useful, though decongestants are only for short-term relief. These can also be useful for treating postnasal drip associated with allergies, along with nasal sprays and steroid medications. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the disucssion please. May the odds be ever in your favour. Regards Khan