The German Association for Ear, Nose, and Throat Medicine states that the "post-nasal drip" syndrome refers to nasal secretions dripping from the back of the nose into the throat when excess mucus is produced by the nasal mucosa.
The association explains that the causes of this syndrome include chronic or seasonal nasal allergies, the common cold, viral or bacterial infections in the respiratory system, or allergies to certain foods.
Symptoms include bad breath, persistent sneezing, heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux, recurrent throat infections, laryngitis, the feeling of fullness in the throat, the sensation of swallowing mucus, and difficulty sleeping deeply.
The syndrome is treated by addressing its underlying cause. Antihistamines may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms caused by allergies, and nasal steroids may also help reduce the severity of this syndrome.
