Does acid reflux cause postnasal drip?

Postnasal Drip is a common presentation of Acid Reflux. Refluxed stomach contents can reach the back of the throat, where irritation may create a feeling of mucus, throat clearing, coughing or a lump in the throat. This can happen even when there is little or no burning chest pain; the pattern is sometimes called silent reflux. Acid reflux does not create nasal mucus in every case, so a blocked or runny nose may point to another explanation.

Allergies, a recent cold, sinus inflammation, dry air and exposure to smoke or other irritants can also cause mucus to drain behind the nose. Postnasal drip itself does not establish that acid reflux is the cause. A clinician may consider the timing of symptoms, associated heartburn or sour taste, nasal symptoms, medicines and examination findings together.

Track whether the sensation follows meals, becomes worse when lying down, or occurs with heartburn, sour fluid in the mouth, hoarseness or a nighttime cough. Smaller meals, avoiding foods that clearly trigger your symptoms, and staying upright after eating may reduce reflux for some people. Avoid smoking and keep hydrated. Do not start, stop or extend reflux medicine without advice from a pharmacist or clinician, particularly if symptoms keep returning.

Arrange a medical assessment if postnasal drip persists, repeatedly disrupts sleep, or comes with ongoing hoarseness, wheezing, facial pain, fever or difficulty swallowing. Seek urgent help for chest pain with breathlessness, sweating or pain spreading to the arm or jaw; these symptoms should not be assumed to be reflux. Prompt assessment is also needed for vomiting blood, black stools, or food getting stuck when you swallow.

Could reflux, allergies or another condition better explain my throat mucus and clearing? Which symptoms should I record before the appointment? Would a nasal treatment or reflux treatment be appropriate for me, and how long should I try it? Do my swallowing symptoms, voice changes or cough require further examination?