congestion

[kingsnorth]

does anybody suffer with post nasal drip and congestion? im constantly clearing my throat from mucus also my throat dries out and l find it difficult to talk

[StriatedCaracara]

I recently found that the thicker eye drops I was using increased my post-nasal drip. The duct that goes from the corner of eye to the nose being impacted causing congestion of nose and sinuses. I experimented and used less drops, and ones with less gel or film in, and post nasal drip has reduced incredibly.

There are also various pollens and pollutants that seem to make things worse, with different weather conditions prevailing such that patients may get a synchrony in their symptoms. The warm dry air holding more particles than when it is humid and rains.

Not just using saline nose spray but clearing nose under water and being more mindful of the eye drops I use at different times is helping bit. I swim and that might help too...maybe damper above the water air helps calm irritated airways.

None of this have I found evidence for from literature available online. I too would be interested to learn of patterns others have noticed.

[Stillrunningaround in reply to StriatedCaracara]

I have suffered from terrible post nasal drip for 2 years before being diagnosed with Sjogrens. It was so debilitating that an ENT preformed a sinus operation (not recommended!!) hoping to clear my nasal passages. I have tried all kinds of nasal sprays, which made it worse. Since diagnosed, it was obvious that the mucus is simply dry, thick and sticky and it needs HYDRATION. I used saline solution sprays which helped, but the only thing that really worked was a nasal spray (here in Australia) called Flo Travel. It contains a plant extract to hydrate the nasal and throat passages. I drink plenty of water containing extra electrolytes, and hardly need the spray now. I hope you can find a similar product over there!

[StriatedCaracara in reply to Stillrunningaround]

Hi Stillrunning around ( great name by the way)

Thanks, I relate and that is interesting.

(When my GP made an ENT referral that was then rejected, my GP said that ENT surgery referrals were not that pleasant, so I was glad I did not see them.)

I will look out for hydration spray. Thanks.

[kingsnorth in reply to StriatedCaracara]

My ENT specialist here in Kent is brilliant. I will see how if the new medication and spray helps

[Stillrunningaround in reply to StriatedCaracara]

Thank you, good luck!

[IlovePorridge]

Oh yes, it's so horrible! I use Mometasone Nasal spray, which I find has helped me. I was constantly clearing my throat and found it interrupted speaking. My nose runs a lot but I don't mind that as much as the post-nasal drip.