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I Can’t Stop Clearing My Throat
We all know the feeling of something being stuck in the throat and having to clear it out. This constant coughing and clearing can get annoying fast, so people typically misdiagnose themselves, and jump to conclusions on why this is occurring. However, people may be shocked to find a simple cause as to why they have to clear their throat so frequently.
What Exactly is Happening?
Most people are quick to assume, and often think that it’s just the beginning or end of a cold or possibly just some allergy symptoms. For most people, they think a cough equals a cold when in reality it could be something completely different. It could mean that you are experiencing a Postnasal Drip (PND), where mucus drains from the nose to the throat, making it feel as though there is something there (like a tickle or a cold virus) when there really isn’t.
How to Know What is Causing Mine
Postnasal drip can derive from various sources. Seasonal allergies, the common cold and flu, congestion, and even sinus infections can be the culprit of PND. If a person feels as though they may be experiencing this and wants to get to find out why this is happening, they will likely have to consult a doctor to get the correct answer. Watching out for other symptoms can help indicate the source of the mucus. For instance, if it is paired with a cold one might experience a fever or feel lethargic. With allergies, it may mean itchy eyes and possibly a rash. If it is trouble with the sinuses, one may experience congestion and pressure headaches in addition to PND. Luckily, this annoying drip is something that can be fixed relatively easily.
How Can it be Fixed?
Consult a physician to determine the root cause of the issue and formulate the best course of action. If a cold or flu is the cause, the odds are it will pass with the other symptoms. There are also over the counter medications that can be used to help decrease symptoms. These include nasal sprays, allergy medications, cold and flu medications, decongestants, and more. However, if the cause of persistent PND is not a simple cold or flu, consult a specialist to see whether or not they would be a candidate for a long-term solution, like balloon sinuplasty. This procedure would help open up the sinuses and allow for proper sinus drainage and long-term relief.
Get it Fixed!
This constant clearing and coughing can be annoying, but it can typically be fixed. Consult with your doctor and get to the root cause. Fixing postnasal drip may only be a step away.
