Congestion mucus throat. Excess Mucus in the Throat: Causes, Treatment, and More

02.07.202128.07.2023 by alexxlab

What causes excess mucus in the throat? How can it be treated? Get the answers and learn more about dealing with phlegm and mucus in the throat.

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Causes of Excess Mucus in the Throat

There are several health conditions that can trigger excess mucus production in the throat, including:

Acid reflux: Stomach acid backing up into the throat can irritate the mucous membranes and lead to increased mucus.
Allergies: Allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander can prompt the body to produce more mucus as a protective response.
Asthma: Inflammation of the airways associated with asthma can cause excess mucus secretion.
Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as the common cold or sinus infections, can lead to increased mucus production.
Lung diseases: Conditions like chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and COPD can all contribute to excess mucus in the throat.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Excess mucus production can also result from certain environmental and lifestyle factors, such as:

Dry indoor environments: Low humidity can cause the mucous membranes to become irritated and produce more mucus.
Fluid intake: Dehydration from low water consumption or high intake of diuretics like coffee, tea, and alcohol can thicken mucus.
Certain medications: Some medications, including some birth control pills and ACE inhibitors, can increase mucus production.
Smoking: Cigarette smoke can irritate the airways and lead to excess mucus.

Treating Excess Mucus in the Throat

If the overproduction of mucus becomes a regular and uncomfortable occurrence, there are several treatment options to consider:

Over-the-Counter Medications

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) expectorants, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin), which can help thin and loosen mucus, allowing it to clear more easily from your throat and chest.

Prescription Medications

Prescription mucolytics, such as hypertonic saline (Nebusal) and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme), are mucus thinners that can be inhaled through a nebulizer. If the excess mucus is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Self-Care Strategies

Your doctor may also suggest some self-care steps to help reduce mucus, such as:

Gargling with warm salt water to help clear mucus from the back of the throat and potentially kill germs
Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air and help keep mucus thin
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water
Elevating your head while sleeping to prevent mucus from collecting in the throat
Avoiding decongestants, which can actually make it more difficult to reduce mucus
Limiting exposure to irritants, fragrances, chemicals, and pollution that can irritate the mucous membranes
Quitting smoking, as it can worsen chronic lung conditions and contribute to excess mucus
Incorporating certain foods like garlic, radishes, and high-fiber fruits that may help reduce mucus

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Excess mucus that has persisted for more than 4 weeks
Thickening or increased volume of mucus
Mucus that is changing color
Fever
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Coughing up blood
Wheezing

The Difference Between Mucus and Phlegm

Mucus is produced by the lower airways in response to inflammation, while phlegm refers to the excess mucus that is coughed up. In other words, phlegm is a type of mucus.

The Difference Between Mucus and Mucous

Mucus and mucous are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. Mucus is the thick, sticky substance produced by the mucous membranes, while mucous is an adjective that describes the properties or nature of this substance.

Key Takeaways

Excess mucus in the throat can be caused by a variety of health conditions, as well as environmental and lifestyle factors. Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as self-care strategies. If the issue persists or worsens, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

Phlegm or Mucus in Throat: Causes, Treatment, and More

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Medically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 10, 2023

When you breathe, allergens, viruses, dust, and other debris stick to your nasal mucus, which then passes out of your system. Sometimes, your body can make too much throat mucus, requiring frequent clearing.

Mucus protects your respiratory system with lubrication and filtration. It’s produced by mucous membranes that run from your nose to your lungs.

Keep reading to learn what causes excess mucus production in your throat and what you can do about it.

There are a number of health conditions that can trigger excess mucus production, such as:

acid reflux
allergies
asthma
infections, such as the common cold
lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

Excess mucus production can also result from certain lifestyle and environmental factors, such as:

a dry indoor environment
low consumption of water and other fluids
high consumption of fluids that can lead to fluid loss, such as coffee, tea, and alcohol
certain medications, such as certain birth control medications and ACE Inhibitors, for example lisinopril
smoking

If the overproduction of mucus becomes a regular and uncomfortable occurrence, consider consulting with your healthcare professional for a full diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Over-the-counter and prescription medications

Your doctor may recommend medication such as:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines: Expectorants, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin), can thin and loosen mucus so it will clear out of your throat and chest.
Prescription medications: Mucolytics, such as hypertonic saline (Nebusal) and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme), are mucus thinners that you inhale through a nebulizer. If your excess mucus is triggered by a bacterial infection, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics.

Self-care steps

Your doctor may also suggest some self-care steps you can take to help reduce mucus, such as:

Gargle with warm salt water: This home remedy can help clear mucus from the back of your throat and may help kill germs.
Humidify the air: Moisture in the air can help keep your mucus thin.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough liquids, especially water, can help loosen congestion and help your mucus flow. Warm liquids can be effective but avoid caffeinated beverages.
Elevate your head: Lying flat can make it feel like the mucus is collecting in the back of your throat.
Avoid decongestants: Although decongestants dry secretions, they may make it more difficult to reduce mucus.
Avoid irritants, fragrances, chemicals, and pollution: These can irritate mucous membranes, signaling the body to produce more mucus.
If you smoke, try to stop. Quitting smoking is helpful, especially with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD.
Try certain foods: Garlic, radishes, and high fiber fruit like apples may help reduce mucus. However, avoid high fat or dairy foods, as that can worsen phlegm.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

Excess mucus has been present for more than 4 weeks.
Your mucus is getting thicker.
Your mucus is increasing in volume or changing color.
You have a fever.
You have chest pain.
You’re experiencing shortness of breath.
You’re coughing up blood.
You’re wheezing.

Was this helpful?

What’s the difference between mucus and phlegm?

Mucus is produced by the lower airways in response to inflammation. When it’s excess mucus that’s coughed up — it’s referred to as phlegm.

What’s the difference between mucus and mucous?

The answer is not medical: Mucus is a noun, and mucous is an adjective. For example, mucous membranes secrete mucus.

Should I be worried about phlegm in my throat?

Having phlegm or mucus doesn’t necessarily mean you have something serious. However, you could have something that needs to be medically treated, so it’s a good idea to see your doctor.

Is it normal to have phlegm every day?

Regular mucus production is normal. It’s the way your body gets rid of irritants in your throat and nasal passages. However, if you’re coughing it out and it doesn’t seem to resolve, it may be a sign of an infection or other condition.

Your body is always producing mucus. Overproduction of mucus in your throat is often the result of a minor illness that should be allowed to run its course.

Sometimes, however, excess mucus can be a sign of a more serious condition. See your healthcare provider if the:

overproduction of mucus is persistent and recurring
amount of mucus you’re producing increases dramatically
excess mucus is accompanied by other concerning symptoms

Read this article in Spanish.

Last medically reviewed on May 10, 2023

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Allinson JP, et al. (2016). The presence of chronic mucus hypersecretion across adult life in relation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4824943/
Byer S. (2015). Congestion relief.
alsworldwide.org/research-and-trials/article/congestion-relief
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (n.d.). Mucus thinners.
cff.org/Life-With-CF/Treatments-and-Therapies/Medications/Mucus-Thinners/
Gupta R, et al. (2023). Mucolytic medications.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559163/
Li X, et al. (2020). Recent advances in the development of novel drug candidates for regulating the secretion of pulmonary mucus.
europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC7327140&blobtype=pdf

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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May 10, 2023

Written By

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Edited By

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Medically Reviewed By

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Jan 7, 2020

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Medically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 10, 2023

How to Get Rid of Mucus in Chest: 8 Tips

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1. Drink liquids

Drink lots of fluids. It sounds cliché, but you likely hear this advice often because it works.

Liquids help thin out mucus. Warm liquids can help clear out mucus in the chest and nose. This can relieve congestion, giving you a small respite from your symptoms.

2. Gargle with salt water

Research shows that gargling warm salt water can help relieve the symptoms of a cold, which can include excess mucus.

Try to mix a cup of warm, filtered, or bottled water with half to three-quarters teaspoon (tsp) of salt. Take a sip and tilt your head slightly back and gargle for 30-60 seconds. Alternatively, use saline solution in spray or neti pot form.

3. Elevate your head

Try to keep your head upright, especially at night. This will help the mucus drain out faster. You can do this by propping up a few pillows under your head.

4. Use a humidifier

Steam can also help loosen mucus and clear up congestion. You can pick up a humidifier at your local drugstore. You may find it beneficial to use it at night near your bed. This can help ease congestion while you’re sleeping.

Depending on your needs, you can make your own steam room or humidifier at home in the following ways:

Breath in steam in the shower
Lean over a bowl of hot water, placing a hand towel over your head to help trap the steam around your face.

5. Take honey

Honey has been used as a natural remedy throughout history and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. There is some evidence it may be particularly helpful in relieving nighttime coughs in children.

One 2018 meta-analysis of six randomized studies also found evidence to suggest that honey may be more effective than no treatment, a placebo, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

However, it wasn’t necessarily more effective than the common cough suppressant Dextromethorphan (Mucinex, Robitussin, and others).

6. Use essential oils

Certain essential oils may help loosen mucus in the chest. A 2020 meta-analysis of seven studies suggest essential oils may help relieve some symptoms of respiratory illnesses, though the results of the studies were mixed.

Peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil are also used as natural decongestants.

You can make use of essential oil in one of two ways:

Diffuse it: Pick up a diffuser from your local drugstore, and add a couple of drops of the oil to a hot bath to release the scent into the air.
Breathe it in: Fill a bowl with hot water and a few drops of essential oil. Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a hand towel to help trap the steam. Breathe in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
Apply topically: Mix 12 drops of carrier oil for every 1 or 2 drops of essential oil. Do a skin patch test first. If there’s no irritation in 24 hours, you can apply it directly to your chest.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

7. Take a decongestant

Decongestants are available in liquid, tablet, or nasal spray form at your local drugstore. Common OTC options include:

oxymetazoline (Vicks Sinex): This is a nasal spray that shouldn’t be used for longer than three days.
pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): People with certain conditions may need to avoid taking Sudafed.

Follow the directions on the packaging. A decongestant can speed up your heart rate and make it harder to fall asleep. You may find it better to take it during the day.

8. Slather on a vapor rub

Vapor rubs contain decongestive ingredients, but they’re applied topically instead of ingested.

You can usually rub it onto your chest every night until the symptoms stop. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.

In one older 2010 study, researchers studied children who received either vapor rub treatment, petrolatum ointment, or no medication. Vapor rub scored the highest in providing relief from cough and congestion.

Another 2017 study found that people with a cold who used Vicks VapoRub could sleep better at night, though the study didn’t determine whether this is definitely due to the relief of symptoms like a cough.

9.

Avoid smoking

Smoking can actually increase mucus in your airway, so it’s a good idea to avoid it.

10. Eat certain foods

Try adding more onion, garlic, lemon, or cayenne pepper to your food.

A 2018 survey suggests they may help relieve symptoms of colds and coughs, which includes reducing mucus. Spicy foods containing capsaicin might also provide temporary relief of sinus congestion by stimulating the flow of mucus.

If you find that the mucus lasts for more than 3 to 4 days or that your condition gets worse quickly, your doctor may suggest a prescription decongestant, which is stronger than an OTC decongestant

They may also prescribe a prescription nasal spray to help open up your nasal passageway.

Talk with your doctor about how long you should use them. Typically, if you use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row, you may end up stuffed up again.

Learn about the types of decongestants.

If your symptoms persist, make an appointment to see your doctor. This is especially true if you have a fever, chest pain, or trouble breathing.

It’s also important to see a doctor if:

the congestion worsens and lasts longer than 3 or 4 days
mucus changes from a runny substance to a thicker texture
mucus has a green or yellow color, as this may indicate an infection

In most cases, mucus and related congestion will clear up within 7 to 9 days.

Is mucus good or bad for the body?

You need some mucus to moisturize your mucous membranes and filter out allergens and microorganisms from your nose and mouth. However, too much mucus usually indicates a respiratory illness like a cold, allergies, or asthma.

What causes mucus in the throat?

Your body produces mucus to cover the moist surfaces of your body, like your lungs, sinuses, or mouth. When your body is fighting a cold or reacting to an allergen, the body will make more mucus.

Why won’t the mucus in my throat go away?

If your excess mucus isn’t going away, it means your body is still fighting an infection or you are still being exposed to something irritating like an allergen. Your doctor can determine the cause and suggest treatment.

There are a number of home remedies that may help relieve chest congestion, such as gargling with salt water, using essential oils, or taking an OTC decongestant.

That said, if symptoms don’t improve, you may need prescription medication that will depend o the cause.

Mucus in throat. What is fraught with and should it be treated?

Home – Articles – ENT – Mucus in the throat. What is fraught with and should it be treated?

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ENT

Mucus (sputum) is a viscous liquid with biologically active substances. In the nasopharynx, it is produced by the epithelium (the surface layer of goblet and ciliated cells that produce and transport this secret). It serves to protect against drying out, as well as the ingress of germs and foreign objects.

A small amount of sputum is normal. It mixes with saliva and is swallowed so that a person does not even notice it. But if there is more mucus in the throat than usual, it is thick and does not go away for a long time, then this condition is called postnasal drip syndrome or drip syndrome. It can be common or chronic if it lasts for several months in a row.

Symptoms of excessive mucus in the throat

Patients with postnasal syndrome usually complain that the back wall of the nasopharynx feels itchy, itchy, burning. They say that there is some kind of lump or something flows down it all the time. The person coughs frequently. I always want to clear my throat. It’s hard to breathe through your nose, sometimes it’s hard to talk for a long time. Clots are expectorated, especially in the morning. Sometimes the voice becomes hoarse or hoarse, there is shortness of breath, snoring during sleep, an unpleasant odor is felt from the mouth.

Causes of Excess Mucus

Excessive accumulation of mucus in the throat can occur for a variety of reasons. These include the following groups of diseases:

Inflammatory larynx and nasopharynx – rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis. The body tries to remove viruses and produces more mucus.
Chronic upper respiratory tract. Because of them, a constant focus of infection is formed in the nasopharynx.
Lower respiratory tract – pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis.
Gastrointestinal tract – ulcer, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease. With acid reflux, due to a malfunction of the gastric sphincter, the contents are thrown into the esophagus and enter the throat.
Adenoids.
Neurological diseases.
Allergy. Vasomotor rhinitis (allergen enters the sinuses) or allergic (present in the air).
Rhinitis in women during pregnancy.
Defects of the nasal cavity – enlarged shells, deviated septum.

The causes of mucus in the throat may be non-disease-related:

Foreign objects in the nose. This applies to young children.
Bad habits. This is about adults. Alcohol burns the mucous membrane, tobacco and inhalation of chemicals irritates it. The body tries to solve the problem by increased sputum production.
Bad ecology, the smallest dust in the air.
Excessively spicy, spicy or fatty food. It irritates the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes stimulates increased secretion. With lactose intolerance, milk has a similar effect.

Excess mucus may be due to taking certain medications – for hypertension, hormonal, contraceptives and others. And also due to the intensive use of nasal drops or sprays. In some cases, the trigger is a lot of physical activity, a change in the weather, dry indoor air, etc.

Treatment of mucus in the nasopharynx

According to the name, excess mucus in the throat is not a disease (a syndrome is a set of symptoms characteristic of a pathology). To get rid of it, you need to eliminate the cause. Often this symptom is a sign of neurological diseases or diseases of the ENT organs. For diagnosis and treatment, you need to make an appointment with our ENT in Odessa.
The otolaryngologist listens to the patient’s complaints and visually examines him. Next, rhinoscopy, MRI of the head, CT or x-ray of the nose and sinuses are performed. Allergy tests are done, sputum samples are examined.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. The ENT doctor usually advises to drink more warm liquids, prescribes mucolytics and expectorants to thin and remove mucus. In the presence of an infectious disease, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Allergic reactions are treated with antihistamines. In case of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, the patient is referred to a gastroenterologist, etc.

If the symptoms cannot be eliminated for a long time or the reason lies in anatomical defects, then the patient is offered an operation: septal correction, inferior turbinate vasotomy, neurotomy or ablation of the posterior nasal nerve, and a consultation with a neurologist in Odessa is also necessary. The treatment of young children differs from adults in that it is more gentle, since their mucous membranes are very delicate.

Is it possible not to treat?

Constant mucus in the throat is unpleasant. However, often it is perceived as something … well, let’s say, uncritical. So maybe you shouldn’t go to the hospital? No, if it continues for a long time, you need to go to the doctor. Otherwise, due to the presence of favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria, chronic or recurrent pharyngitis, laryngotracheitis, tonsillitis and other diseases of the ENT organs may develop. We should not forget microaspiration. Getting a small amount of secretion into the lungs is not scary; defense mechanisms cope with it. But when there is a lot of mucus, it can end in pneumonia or bronchitis. So, if you do not remove the mucus from the throat in time, more serious problems will begin.

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Mucus in the throat and nose with an unpleasant odor!

There are contraindications. It is necessary to consult with a specialist.

Foul-smelling mucus in the nose and throat is most commonly caused by a sinus infection (sinusitis) or postnasal syndrome (mucus dripping down the nasopharynx into the throat). Since under these conditions a favorable environment is created for the reproduction of bacteria in the mucus, which leads to the addition of a fetid odor or an unpleasant aftertaste.

Chronic sinusitis manifests itself in thick discharge that has an unpleasant odor and taste. Congestion or inflammation inside the nose is a symptom of rhinitis, which is most often the cause of post-nasal syndrome, when mucus drains from the nasopharynx into the throat.

Thick mucus is an ideal breeding ground for the anaerobic bacteria responsible for bad breath (known as halitosis). Dentists claim that brushing your teeth does not eliminate bad breath caused by mucus dripping from your nose.

Foul-smelling mucus associated with a temporary cold or allergic reaction can be effectively treated with a variety of home remedies that focus on loosening, thinning, and drying up secretions. A well-known method of correcting the problem is to drink plenty of warm drinks, such as soups and herbal teas.

Treating the sources of excess mucus production and eliminating the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria that thrive in this type of environment is the best way to prevent and get rid of mucus and bad breath associated with nasopharyngeal drainage.

Although rare, some people may develop green or black crusts inside the nose that bleed and produce a foul odor. This is a sign of a disease such as chronic atrophic rhinitis (ozena).

Sinusitis is a common cause of an inflamed and blocked nasal passage, and can cause foul-smelling mucus. This is a condition in which the lining of the paranasal sinuses becomes inflamed. Inflammation and swelling are usually caused by a viral infection and often improve within two or three weeks.

This is a very common disease. In temperate countries, the disease affects about 5-15% of the adult population each year.

Sinuses (paranasal sinuses) are small air pockets that are located in the forehead, cheekbones and eyes.

They protect the body by capturing microbes. Bacteria and allergens can cause too much mucus to be secreted, which can block the opening of the sinuses. So most people will experience a runny nose with a cold or allergy.

A buildup of mucus can promote microbial growth in the sinus cavity, leading to bacterial and viral infections. Most of them are viral and can go away in a week or two without treatment. The accumulation of secretions in the nasal passage and throat can cause bad breath and foul-smelling mucus.

Corticosteroid drops or spray may be used to treat these inflammations. Also known simply as steroids, corticosteroids are a group of medications that can help reduce inflammation. If swelling or inflammation persists, the doctor may prescribe another treatment option.

Other symptoms such as stuffy nose can be treated with a warm compress, pain can be relieved with pain medication. Sometimes antibiotics may be used to treat a mild bacterial infection that accompanies sinus inflammation.

Signs and symptoms:

thick and greenish nasal discharge;
nasal congestion that causes difficulty in breathing;
pain, swelling, tenderness and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead;
severe headache;
ear pressure;
fever and fatigue.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis – inflammation of the tonsils – oval tissue cushions at the back of the throat. Symptoms of the disease include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.

Tonsillitis is often caused by a virus, but a bacterial infection can sometimes cause swelling. The correct treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease. Therefore, in order to receive proper treatment, it is necessary to establish a diagnosis quickly and accurately. A doctor may recommend surgery when bacterial tonsillitis occurs too often, does not respond to other treatment options, or has other serious complications.

Inflammation may affect other areas of the throat, such as the adenoids and lingual tonsils. There are various variations of the disease: acute, recurrent and chronic course. In all three variants, sore throats and problems with swallowing are observed.

Postnasal syndrome

Nasopharyngeal drip, also known as postnasal syndrome, occurs when there is excessive secretion of the nasal mucosa. Excess mucus accumulates in the throat or back of the nose. It is responsible for hydration and also helps destroy foreign organisms such as bacteria and viruses before they can cause an infection.

In normal secretion, the mucus is not noticeable, it mixes with saliva and flows harmlessly behind the throat, and the person swallows it. When the body produces more of it, and it becomes thicker than usual, it becomes more noticeable. This usually occurs with inflammation, most often during rhinitis.

Accumulated mucus also provides a good breeding ground for odor causing bacteria. When the excess secretion comes out of the nostrils, it causes a runny nose when it runs down the back of the throat – this is called post-nasal syndrome.

The problem can be caused by colds, flu, allergies, sinus infections, pregnancy, and weather changes.

Depending on the diagnosis, possible treatments include:

An antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection.
Surgery for chronic sinusitis.
Allergy medication and spray.
Antacid when the problem is gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, uneven growths on the nasal mucosa. They result from chronic inflammation due to asthma, recurrent infection, allergic reactions, and drug sensitivities or immune disorders.

Small polyps are asymptomatic, but large lesions or a group of them can lead to breathing difficulties due to blockage of the nasal passage, and in some cases loss of the sense of smell and frequent infections. Although they are more common in adults, they can affect a person at any age.

Your doctor may prescribe medicine to shrink or eliminate nasal polyps, but sometimes surgery is required to remove them. They may often return even after consistent treatment. Unlike polyps, which form in the colon and bladder, nasal polyps are rarely cancerous. They are also not painful to the touch.

Symptoms:

runny nose;
irritating snoring;
decreased sense of smell;
severe headaches and facial pain;
pain in upper teeth;
postnasal syndrome.

Adult inflammatory nasal discharge with odor

In adults, a common cause of foul-smelling mucus is rhinitis, which is inflammation of the nasal passage. This condition is known to cause runny nose and nasal discharge.

Rhinitis may be temporary, when caused by an allergic reaction, or chronic, when symptoms persist for more than six weeks. In moderate cases of congestion, the condition may improve on its own, in chronic or severe cases, it is necessary that the doctor diagnose the condition and prescribe treatment.

In adults, another common cause of the problem is sinusitis, inflammation of the sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind the forehead, eyes, cheekbones, and bridge of the nose. They filter the air they breathe, using mucus to trap dirt, bacteria, and other potentially harmful particles.

Sinuses become inflamed and swollen during infections, allergic reactions. The accumulation of mucus creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow and multiply, leading to a foul-smelling bacterial infection.

Infection of the sinuses is manifested by the following symptoms:

nasal congestion;
bad breath;
sore throat;
thick yellow or green mucus appearing in the nose and throat;
cough, especially at night;
dullness of taste and smell.

Mild problems in adults may improve on their own. In severe cases caused by allergic rhinitis, sinusitis or postnasal syndrome, immediate medical attention is recommended. People with allergies or weak immune systems are most likely to develop a sinus infection.

Treatment includes not only control and management of symptoms, but also getting rid of the underlying cause of the disease. For allergic rhinitis or sinus inflammation, it is important that a doctor diagnoses the problem and prescribes the necessary medications. Thus, the risk of complications can be minimized.

After a medical examination, treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the disease or the severity of the symptoms.

Antibiotics

Sinusitis caused by a viral infection does not require antibiotic treatment. For a bacterial infection, an oral antibiotic may be used. It can be suspected in facial pain, pus-like nasal discharge, and other symptoms that persist for more than a week. An infection may also be suspected when the condition does not respond to other medications.

Acute bacterial infection is treated with antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics work by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria that can cause a sinus infection. When they are used for treatment, it must be remembered that:

the number of days of antibiotic use depends on the general state of health;
the choice of drug depends on the body’s response to it;
may be used with another drug, such as a decongestant.

Decongestant

Nasal Spray can quickly help reduce congestion and swelling. There are many such tools on the market. But they also have disadvantages, through which they cannot be used for more than a few days. Most decongestant sprays contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which causes toxic reactions in the nose, eyes, ears, and lungs and can aggravate symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Thus, immediately the drug with this substance in the composition will be effective, but when the symptoms return within a day or two, they will be worse than before the application.

Nasal steroid spray

Nasal steroid sprays are commonly used drugs to relieve swelling in the nose. The medicine can also be used for allergies such as hay fever. Steroid sprays are also good for relieving symptoms of inflammation caused by other conditions.

Nasal corticosteroid spray reduces swelling and mucus in the nasal passage. It may also be effective in relieving accompanying symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, congestion, itching or swelling of the nasal passage.

Anti-inflammatory pain reliever

Paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs can be used to help control fever and headaches that may accompany swelling and inflammation. Various brands of pain relievers can be found in pharmacies.

Surgery for chronic sinusitis

Sometimes surgery may be performed because of a complication of sinusitis, there may be pus in the sinus and beyond. The purpose of the operation is to drain the sinuses:

removal of infected, swollen or damaged tissues;

removal of swollen bone to create a wider opening for drainage of sinus mucus;
getting rid of formations inside the nose;
removal of a foreign object blocking the nasal passage.

Surgery does not always completely fix the problem, some people will need a second operation. When treating a swollen, infected nasal passage, surgery is more effective when used with another medicine.

Folk remedies

Peppermint oil

Suitable for oral and topical use, it has antimicrobial properties. Along with lavender, peppermint oil may be one of the most versatile essential oils in the world.