Despite Symptoms Its Not The Flu
COVID-19 is not the flu.
As one of a class of pathogens known as coronaviruses, COVID-19 is actually more closely related to the common cold than the seasonal flu.
However, despite some overlap, the typical symptoms of COVID-19 are more similar to the flu than the common cold .
The Delta variant, however, may have more cold-like symptoms.
In terms of differentiating between flu and COVID-19, it can be almost impossible to distinguish, Dr. Jake Deutsch, co-founder and clinical director of Cure Urgent Care and Specialty Infusion in New York. Thats why people are recommended to have flu vaccinations so it can at least minimize the risk of flu in light of everything else.
Fevers, body aches, coughing, sneezing could all be equally attributed to them both, so it really means that if theres a concern for flu, theres a concern for COVID-19, Deutsch said.
When and where you get sick might be the best predictor of whether you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, Yildirim said.
People living in communities with low vaccination rates and high rates of COVID-19 are more likely to have COVID-19, she said, especially outside of cold and flu season.
However, she said, differentiating becomes more difficult during the winter, when all three diseases may be widespread.
If you have a mild case of COVID-19, the flu, or a cold, treatment is geared toward management of symptoms, said Cutler.
Mild cases of COVID-19 are thought to last approximately 2 weeks, said Cutler.
How Is Chronic Rhinitis Diagnosed
The diagnosis of chronic rhinitis is based largely on symptomatic criteria. Your ENT doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and will examine your nose.
As part of your initial assessment, your doctor may order a sinus x-ray to see if a sinus infection is present. Allergy skin testing may also be done to determine if certain allergens are triggering some or all of your nasal symptoms.
Symptoms Of Postnasal Drip In Children
Children with symptoms of postnasal drip accompanied by thick or foul-smelling liquid from one side of the nose may have a foreign object stuck in their nose. Common objects like a bean, coin, paper, or small toy can become lodged in the nostrils and interfere with normal breathing. If your child has these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Post Nasal Drip
Post nasal drip is most commonly identified by the accumulation and drainage of mucus down the back of the nose and throat. People who experience post nasal drip may have other common symptoms, including:
- A frequently clearing of the throat
- A sore or scratchy throat
- A feeling like a lump or something stuck in the throat
- A cough or hack that is often worse in the evening
- Constant spitting or swallowing of mucus
- A feeling of nausea due to excessive mucus in the stomach
What About Prescription Treatments
If these approaches aren’t effective, prescription treatments may be the next best steps, including:
- A nasal steroid spray
- Ipratropium nasal spray which inhibits secretions
Other treatments depend on the cause of the post-nasal drip. Antibiotics are not usually helpful, so they aren’t usually prescribed for post-nasal drip . For allergies, dusting and vacuuming often, covering your mattresses and pillowcases, and special air filter can help reduce exposure to allergy triggers.
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Which Treatments Are Available
Allergic post nasal drip is treatable with a steroid nasal spray that helps reduce swelling in the nasal passage which contributes to congestion. Antihistamines are used to relieve symptoms like sneezing and itchiness, while decongestants are regularly prescribed for congestion. Antibiotics can be administered to deal with nasal drainage caused by sinus infections, but also steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants are prescribed similarly to allergy treatments. However nasal decongestants are not recommended to be used for more than three days because it can cause a rebound effect that leads to worsening symptoms. A helpful tip for people suffering from post nasal drip is to sleep upright or with their head elevated which has been known to reduce the intensity and frequency of coughs during the night and early morning.
Allergies Have Chronic Symptoms
COVID-19, like the flu or common cold, is an acute illness, meaning people feel fine until symptoms start showing up.
Allergies, on the other hand, are usually chronic, presenting with symptoms off and on for weeks, months, or even years, Dr. David M. Cutler, family medicine physician at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California, told Healthline.
Allergies should not cause a fever or body aches, Arthur said. Generally, no cough unless you have a lot of nasal drainage.
Conversely, itchy eyes and facial pain are more typical of allergies than a COVID-19 infection.
Allergies may also cause wheezing, she said, especially in people with asthma.
Allergy symptoms tend to vary with the environment: worsening with exposure to dust, pollen, or animal dander, whereas cold symptoms tend to persist regardless of time of day, weather, locality, or other environmental factors, Cutler said.
Also, as with COVID-19, colds are more likely to have generalized symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches, whereas allergies usually affect only the respiratory tract, Cutler said.
Allergy symptoms tend to improve with antihistamine and other allergy-specific medication, he said. Colds are more likely to respond to decongestants, acetaminophen, fluids, and rest.
The CDC issued guidance on the differences in symptoms between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies.
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What Causes Postnasal Drip
You can get postnasal drip for many different reasons. One of the most frequent causes of postnasal drip is allergies, which is often called allergic postnasal drip.
Another cause is a deviated septum. If you have a deviated septum, it means the wall of cartilage between your nostrils is crooked. The misplaced structure of your nose makes one of your nasal passages smaller than the other. This can prevent mucus from draining properly and can lead to postnasal drip. Other postnasal drip causes may include:
But What Exactly Causes Post
Several conditions can cause post-nasal drip, but allergies are one of the most common. If youre an allergy sufferer, it is best you steer clear of your triggers or take medicine beforehand if you know you will be exposed.
Another common cause is a deviated septum, meaning that the thin wall of cartilage between your nostrils is displaced or leans to one side. Not only does it make one nasal passage smaller, but it can also get in the way of proper mucus drainage, which results in post-nasal drip.
Other causes of post-nasal drip include:
- Cold temperatures
- Certain medications
In particular cases, the issue causing post-nasal drip isnt excessive mucus, but your throats inability to clear it. Swallowing problems or gastric reflux can make liquids accumulate in your throat, which also gives you that post-nasal drip sensation.
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Postnasal Drip Treatments That Can Help You Sleep
If you suffer from regular occurrences of postnasal drip, it is important to speak to a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis. Some common postnasal drip treatments include:
Lifestyle Changes Stay hydrated with plenty of water. Take a break from drinking alcohol or eating junk food. Lifestyle choices can influence health, and will either support or weaken your health.
Environmental Changes Ensure your bedroom is dust-free and that your bed sheets are laundered regularly. You could also try a humidifier or air purifier to ensure the environment is optimal for your airways.
Medication Clearing your sinuses of mucus before bed allows for easier breathing and a better nights sleep. Your doctor that treats ENT issues may recommend a decongestant or saline nasal spray to clear your airways.
Allergy Treatments Allergies are a common cause of postnasal drip. Some ENT treatment options like antihistamines, plus avoiding dust, mold and pet dander could help. For anyone with persistent sinus problems, treatments like immunotherapy offer better long-term results.
What Is Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is when more mucus than normal gathers and drips down the back of your throat. You may feel like you have a tickle in the back of your throat. Postnasal drip can be a bothersome condition that can lead to a chronic cough.
The glands in your nose and throat are constantly making mucus. This is normal. These glands produce one to two quarts of mucus per day. Mucus has many important functions, such as:
- Moistens and cleans your nasal lining.
- Moistens the air you breathe.
- Traps and clears whatever you inhale.
- Helps fight infections.
You normally swallow mucus unconsciously. You don’t notice it because it mixes with your saliva and drips harmlessly down the back of your throat. But when you feel like mucus is gathering in your throat or dripping from the back of your nose, it becomes more obvious.
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Okay I Think Ive Got Itnow What
Both post-nasal drip and sore throats will often go away on their own, but each can be a symptom of a larger condition. If the above treatments dont help, schedule an appointment with your doctor. If it turns out youre experiencing post-nasal drip and sore throat symptoms from allergies, then Picnic can help! We offer a number of allergy treatments, including a nasal spray designed to tackle symptoms like post-nasal drip and throat lozenges. Read our guide on and take our quiz to find out which post-nasal drip medicine will wait for itblow your allergies away.
Home Treatments For Postnasal Drip
You can turn to a number of home treatments to relieve the symptoms of postnasal drip. Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip.
Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine can work to get rid of postnasal drip. However, these are more effective after you take them for several days.
Saline nasal sprays can help moisten your nasal passages and reduce symptoms of postnasal drip. If you have continual problems with postnasal drip, your doctor may prescribe a cortisone steroid nasal spray. Sinus irrigation tools like neti pots or sinus rinses like those from NeilMed can also flush out excess mucus.
Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can also promote proper drainage.
Staying hydrated is just as important to prevent postnasal drip as it is to treat it. Drinking warm or hot liquid, like tea or chicken soup, can thin out mucus and prevent dehydration. And as always, dont forget to drink plenty of water. This also thins out mucus and keeps your nasal passages moistened, relieving discomfort.
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What Can I Expect If I Have Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is very common and has many different causes. While the condition isnt usually serious, it can be annoying. With some over-the-counter medications and other home remedies, it should clear up on its own.
If you have repeated cases of postnasal drip or other symptoms along with it, reach out to your healthcare provider. You may have a bacterial infection or other condition that requires medical care.
What Are The Treatments For Post Nasal Drip
The treatment for post nasal drip depends mainly on the root cause of the symptoms . Post nasal drip can be attributed to any one of several possible conditions, including seasonal allergies and the common cold. As a result, different treatments are required to remedy the root cause.
However, home remedies, over-the-counter medications, natural/alternative methods, prevention techniques, and prescription medications are commonly used to provide relief from post nasal drip symptoms.
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Would I Need Surgery For Postnasal Drip
Most often, the Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. team can eliminate postnasal drip without the need for surgery. However, if the cause of your postnasal drip is a deviated septum, you might need to undergo a surgery called septoplasty to straighten the septum.
Postnasal drip isn’t usually a serious problem, but it can be irritating and frustrating. To resolve your postnasal drip, call Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. today or book an appointment online.
Tips For Managing Post
“Mild cases of post-nasal drip, without other symptoms, may be helped by over-the-counter medications,” advises Dolan. These include antihistamines, decongestants, and mucus thinners. If these and other home remedies don’t help, a visit to the doctor is the next step.
Here are some simple home remedies you can try:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Take a long, hot shower.
- Use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray.
- Gargle with salt water.
- Use nasal irrigations made with water and salt or baking soda.
Keeping a healthy home environment can also cut down on your risk for post-nasal drip. Some tips include:
- Wash hands frequently and wipe down countertops during cold and flu season.
- Try to eliminate allergy-causing substances such as dust, mold, pollens, and pet dander from your home, especially the bedrooms.
- Increase humidity in your home with a vaporizer or humidifier.
Post-nasal drip is a common complaint and is frequently accompanied by other symptoms such as stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough. When simple measures like over-the-counter medications and nasal irrigations don’t work, talk to your doctor. Common causes such as infection, allergy, and gastric reflux can often be treated successfully.
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How Common Is Post
by admin | May 28, 2020 | Balloon Sinuplasty, Sinus
Do you wake up with a scratchy throat in the morning? Coughing fits keeping you up at night? When your body produces extra mucus, you might feel it drip down or build up in the back of your throat from your nose. This is what is known as post-nasal drip and could be the very reason why you are experiencing such troubles.
The good news is that our certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group, members of Valley ENT, know all there is to know about post-nasal drip and want to share this information with youalong with a few things you can do at home to help you get some relief.
A Few Things You Can Do At Home
There are plenty of options to turn to when it comes to home treatments for post-nasal drip symptom relief:
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When To Consult A Specialist
If your post-nasal drip is a byproduct of a common cold and resolves on its own, its not likely to be concerning. But if it persists for more than two weeks, consider being evaluated by a doctor who can help you feel more comfortable.
You should schedule an exam if:
- Your post-nasal drip is accompanied by persistent dripping outside your nose as well
- Your nasal passages have been stuffy for some time, especially on one side of the nose
- Your post-nasal drip comes with chronic hoarseness or cough thats been present for 3-4 weeks or may be worsening
- Your excess mucus looks discolored or bloody, has a bad odor, or is accompanied by a fever
At MedStar Washington Hospital Center, its very common for us to see these issues in patients with sinus or allergic rhinitis symptoms, and most of these issues are related to inflammation in the nose. But there could be other underlying reasons as well.
What Are Other Options For The Treatment Of Rhinitis And Post
Treatment can also be directed toward specific causes of rhinitis and post-nasal drip as outlined below.
Treatment of infection
The most common nasal infection is a viral infection known as “the common cold.” The virus causes swelling of the nasal membranes and production of thick clear mucus. Symptoms usually last several days. If “a cold” goes on for many days and is associated with yellow or green drainage, a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. Very few patients with a common cold from a virus will go on to have acute bacterial rhinosinusitis from sinus blockage and impaired sinus function. Sinus blockage can lead to acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis , which can be characterized by nasal congestion, thick mucus, and facial or dental pain. From 4 to 12 weeks, the symptoms are classified as subacute sinusitis or recurrent acute sinusitis.
Symptomatic treatment often involves pain relief, decongestants, mucous thinning medications, saline rinses, and antihistamine therapy.
Reflux medications
For rhinitis that is a result of acid reflux disease, antacids can help to neutralize acid contents, whereas other medications such as cimetidine , famotidine , omeprazole , esomeprazole can decrease stomach acid production. Non-pharmacological treatments include avoiding late evening meals and snacks and eliminating alcohol and caffeine. Elevating the head of the bed may help decrease reflux during sleep.
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What Are Some Effective Treatments
Treatment depends on whats causing it. The following are some common causes and their respective treatments:
- Antibiotics for sinus infections that are caused by bacteria
- surgery to reshape and reduce the size of a deviated septum
- Antihistamines and decongestants for sinus and viral infections
- Steroid nasal sprays, and immunotherapy can be used sometimes with antihistamines and decongestants to treat allergies
- Self-care drinking more water can help thin your mucus, and saline nasal sprays and irrigation can help flush mucus, bacteria and other irritants from your sinuses.
If youre experiencing symptoms of post-nasal drip, make an appointment today with the ear, nose, and throat specialists at DFW Sinus Select. We combine experience and expertise with compassionate care and will help you get relief from your symptoms.
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