Does chronic sinusitis cause postnasal drip?

The sinuses normally make mucus that drains into the nose. With chronic inflammation, the lining may swell and secretions may become thicker or harder to clear. Mucus can then collect behind the nose and trickle into the throat, especially when lying down. This may cause throat clearing, a cough, hoarseness, a sore throat, or an unpleasant taste.

Postnasal drip also occurs with allergies, irritants, reflux, and other nasal problems. The symptom alone cannot identify its cause. The duration, nasal symptoms, triggers, and examination findings help guide the next step.

Book a medical review when drainage lasts, keeps returning, disrupts sleep, or comes with blocked nasal passages, facial discomfort, reduced smell, or repeated sinus flares. Note the mucus colour and thickness, but remember that colour by itself does not determine whether antibiotics are needed.

A clinician may recommend measures to clear mucus and calm inflammation, depending on your history. Use nasal treatments exactly as directed, avoid smoke and strong irritants, and drink enough fluid for your usual health needs. Do not rely on prolonged use of decongestant sprays without advice.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling around the eyes, vision changes, severe headache, confusion, a stiff neck, or marked facial swelling. Seek review sooner if symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or associated with a high fever.

Could chronic sinus inflammation be causing my throat drainage? Should I be checked for allergies, reflux, or a nasal blockage? Which treatment can reduce the mucus, and what symptoms would mean I need a prompt review?