What Is Postnasal Drip?

Your body produces about one to two quarts of mucus daily to keep the nose and throat moist and trap irritants. Usually, this is swallowed without notice. Postnasal drip occurs when mucus becomes excessive or thick or when it collects at the back of the throat. This leads to a persistent “dripping” sensation, throat irritation and chronic coughing.

At the practice of Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky, we specialize in identifying the root cause of this excess drainage. With three convenient locations in Atlanta, Decatur,and Snellville, we provide targeted treatments to help you find lasting comfort.

What Causes Postnasal Drip?

Postnasal drip is rarely a condition in itself; it is typically a symptom of an underlying issue. Common causes include:

  • Nasal and Sinus Issues: Chronic sinusitis, a deviated septum or viral infections.
  • Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis: Inflammation triggered by the environment or overactive nasal nerves.
  • Environmental Factors: Cold, dry air or irritants like perfumes and smoke.
  • GERD (Acid Reflux): Reflux is a frequent but often overlooked contributor to throat irritation.

Common Symptoms

Because postnasal drip is one of the most common causes of a chronic cough, accurate diagnosis is essential. Symptoms often include:

  • Frequent throat clearing or a “lump” in the throat.
  • Chronic cough, which often worsens at night.
  • Hoarseness or a sore, irritated throat.

Innovative In-Office Treatments for Chronic Drainage

For many patients, medications like antihistamines or steroid sprays only offer temporary relief. If overactive nasal nerves cause your postnasal drip, Dr. Stolovitzky offers advanced, in-office solutions that target the problem at its source.

RhinAer® and Neuromark®

As a leading researcher in radiofrequency neurolysis, Dr. Stolovitzky performs these minimally invasive procedures to disrupt abnormal nerve signaling.

  • How they work: Using controlled, low-temperature radiofrequency energy to gently “calm” the nerves that trigger excess mucus.
  • Benefits: These procedures are performed in our ENT offices under local anesthesia, require no incisions and allow patients to return to normal activities the same day.

Conservative and Medical Management

For milder cases, we may recommend a stepwise approach including:

  • Saline Irrigations: To clear mucus and moisturize the airway.
  • Mucus-Thinning Medications: Such as guaifenesin.
  • Reflux Management: Treating GERD to reduce secondary throat irritation.

Why Choose Dr. Stolovitzky for Sinus and Nasal Care?

Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky is a nationally recognized rhinology specialist with decades of experience. His approach combines evidence-based medicine with the latest innovative technology, ensuring that each patient in Metro Atlanta receives the most effective, least invasive treatment possible.