Nasal Drainage

Nasal drainage occurs when there is an excess of mucous or impaired and altered drainage. When mucus drains from the front of the nose, it is termed a “runny nose”. When the mucus drains down the back of your nose to the throat, it is termed “postnasal drip” or “postnasal drainage”.

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This excess mucus can be caused by a number of factors such as allergies, colds, flu, and sinus infections. While excess mucus may clear up on its own, Texas ENT Specialists offers treatments to help target the underlying condition that may have caused it.

Nasal Drainage Treatment Options

When treating nasal drainage, the first step is determining the cause. This is typically from an infection, allergies, or forms of non-allergic rhinitis such as vasomotor rhinitis. Once the condition has been determined, the proper treatment course can be established.

Some of the treatment options include:

Medications

Some over-the-counter medications can help patients find relief from nasal drainage. These medications can help the nose reduce inflammation and swelling, or dry up excess mucus.

Allergy drops

If the cause of your nasal drainage is allergy-related, our Asensa™ allergy drops can be custom-formulated to your specific environmental allergies. The drops are placed under the tongue and can offer relief from allergy symptoms, including post-nasal drip.

Balloon sinuplasty

If sinusitis is the cause of nasal drainage, balloon sinuplasty is an in-office procedure that can open blocked sinus ducts and allow mucus to drain properly.

ClariFix®

This treatment uses cryotherapy to help reduce symptoms of chronic rhinitis. Clarifix uses a cooling probe to target the inflamed area in the back of the nose and help stop your symptoms at their origin.

RhinAer®

RhinAer is a non-invasive heat radiofrequency ablation procedure designed to treat congestion and a runny nose by targeting and calming overactive nerves, as well as shrinking inflamed tissue in the nose. A small wand is inserted into the nostril, and low-temperature radiofrequency energy is emitted from its tip to decrease the production of mucus.

If you are experiencing chronic issues with nasal drainage, it may be due to structural issues within the nose or sinuses. Our providers may recommend a surgical procedure to correct this.

Nasal Drainage?

Mucus is produced every day by our bodies. Our noses typically produce a quart of mucus a day. Our bodies use mucus to trap and destroy viruses and bacteria before they cause infection. Mucus is usually not noticeable because it mixes with saliva and is swallowed. When mucus becomes thicker or builds up, it can be bothersome. When this occurs, it can begin to drip down the back of your nose to the throat, leading to post-nasal drip.

Symptoms of Nasal Drainage

Runny nose
Coughing
Throat clearing
Sore or itchy throat
Stomach aches or pain
Swollen glands
Fatigue
Hoarseness

About Texas ENT Specialists

Texas ENT Specialists has been a top-rated ENT provider in the Houston area since 1997. We will help you understand your condition, and we effectively provide a personalized treatment plan to help you find long-term relief.

Personalized Treatment

We provide personalized treatment designed to address your condition and the ways it’s impacting your life.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Each of our locations is staffed with a team of providers who have years of experience treating ENT conditions.

Centers of Excellence

We’ve designed a seamless patient experience that begins the moment you contact us.

Continuity of Care

Our network of providers works together to offer you well-rounded care that addresses each of your concerns.

Nasal Drainage FAQ's

Who Does Nasal Drainage Affect?

Nasal drainage can occur alongside allergies, colds, flu, or sinus infection. It can also occur in those who have structural issues with their nose or sinus blockages.

When should I see a doctor?

If you are experiencing pain, fever, or green mucus, you should see a doctor. Some patients may want to see a doctor if they have been experiencing chronic symptoms or issues that are impacting their daily life.

How can I determine the cause of my nasal drainage?

At Texas ENT Specialists, we can help determine the cause of your nasal drainage through a testing process including allergy testing, physical examination, and CT imaging.