From the Guidelines
Post nasal drip is characterized by the drainage of secretions from the nose or paranasal sinuses into the pharynx, often appearing as thick, sticky mucus that runs down the back of the throat, which can be clear, white, yellow, or green in color. This condition is typically diagnosed based on patient-reported symptoms, such as the sensation of having something drip down into the throat, nasal discharge, or frequent throat clearing, as well as physical examination findings, including the presence of mucoid or mucopurulent secretions, or cobblestoning of the mucosa in the nasopharynges or oropharynges 1. The appearance of post nasal drip can vary, but it often involves:
- A coating of mucus on the back of the throat
- Visible strands of mucus
- Excess mucus collecting in the throat, causing a feeling of something being stuck
- Mucoid or mucopurulent secretions in the nasopharynges or oropharynges
- Cobblestoning of the mucosa in the affected areas. According to the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, the diagnosis of postnasal drip syndrome (PNDS) is largely based on a combination of criteria, including symptoms, physical examination, radiographic findings, and response to specific therapy 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Astelin® Nasal Spray significantly improved a symptom complex comprised of rhinorrhea, post nasal drip, nasal congestion, and sneezing. The FDA drug label does not describe what post nasal drip looks like, only that it is a symptom that can be improved with Astelin® Nasal Spray 2.
From the Research
Post Nasal Drip Description
- Postnasal drip (PND) is a common complaint in primary care and ear-nose-throat offices, often associated with chronic cough 3
- The symptoms of PND can be vague and variable, making it a catch-all diagnosis for various nasal and throat-related symptoms 3
- PND is related to sinonasal disease, but the traditional pathophysiology does not clearly lead to chronic cough 3
- The cough from PND may be related to an airway sensory hypersensitivity rather than actual irritation from inflamed nasal secretions 3
Visual Appearance
- There is no direct description of the visual appearance of postnasal drip in the provided studies
- However, a study on seasonal allergic rhinitis found that treatment led to statistically significant reductions in the amount of nasal edema and nasal secretions, which may be related to postnasal drip 4
- Endoscopic inferior turbinate photography was used to document the reduction in nasal secretions, suggesting that postnasal drip may be visible through endoscopy 4