OT - Chronic Post Nasal Drip

I definitely have chronic sinus issues but in my case I know I have allergies. But your post makes me wonder if it isn't solely due to allergies. I'd be interested to hear what happens when you see the ENT doctor.

I've had post-nasal drip pre- and post-UC. Some is seasonal and some is food oriented. Milk products esp. affect my throat (tonsils?). Some people are more affected but it must be a huge amount becuase look at all the meds sold for it.

I just read that in Japan seasonal allergies are a national issue. Trees planted to reforest after WWII (fir, pine and cherry) have matured putting out huge amounts of pollen. People wear masks outdoors. They can't cut them down due to mudslide risk.

I take Benadryl and Claritin 12hr when needed (24 hr will keep me up). My husband doesn't like Claritin either and takes something different but I can't remember what.

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Post Edited (imagardener2) : 5/9/2018 9:51:42 AM (GMT-6)

I live in an area where almost everyone (or so it seems) has allergy problems. I grew up here and never had any issues at all. And now I also have post nasal drip so bad that I choke on it sometimes in the morning. Currently taking daily antihistamine and a nightly antihistamine spray and am much better. I will be seeing an ENT also. I don't recall how long the post nasal drip thing has been going on, but I do think it was pre-UC, but prior to UC I had multiple infections of diverticulitis. Has always kind of made sense to me since UC is a problem with the mucus membranes in our guts, right? And our sinuses are also lined with mucus membranes (Aren't they??? -- I really don't know for sure, am just assuming so since our nose drips mucus).

Also, I just saw an new neurologist (who specializes in headaches) for my migraines and she states that gut problems and migraines go hand in hand. My headaches have changed since my UC -- they used to be a typical migraine, all one-sided with nausea. Now about half of them feel more like sinus headaches in that they are centered in my forehead and top of the head and not so much with nausea.

Yes I have chronic post nasal drip. Endless phlegm in the throat. I am going to see an E.N.T. later this month. I don't have any seasonal allergies at all.

I went to an ENT in March and he was useless, did allergy tests, looked in my sinus and nothing wrong.

Long story short, my cough, congestion and nasal drip are from acid reflux. I’ve probably had heartburn 3 times in my life so I was shocked when acid blockers cleared up my nasal drip, congestion and cough.

I’m wondering if more IBDers suffer with undiagnosed acid reflux instead of ENT issues.

I have post nasal drip and it started many years before UC, probably because of allergy and asthma that I had when I was a teenager.

I saw various ENTs and had nasal endoscopies, which diagnosed hypertrophy of the nasal inferior turbinates. Steroids sprays help, but are a temporary fix, so to treat it, I was proposed surgery to trim the turbinates, but I have not done it yet.

A lactose free diet supposedly help in reducing mucus, but I don't have the will power to do it, good food is one of my main passions in life. It is already hard to have a chronic disease, I don't want to give up what I love

Post Edited (adamas) : 5/17/2018 12:58:00 AM (GMT-6)

They used the camera through my nose and found redness around a certain area (forget what they said) and said it was indicative of reflux. My history did not sound like allergies or infection to him since it is just a drip and I also have food regurgitating sporadically. There was a week where drinking coffee would burn really bad in my throat and chest.

He prescribed an acid blocker, gave me a list of foods to avoid, and gave me a xylotol and alkolol (sp?) gargle to try. Also said to elevate the head of my bed. I will get a barium mri of my throat next week and see him in a month.

Keith, are you able to drink coffee? Caffeine will be extremely hard for me to give up. The other thing he said was not to take curcumin if you have reflux. It loosens the valve that keeps food down.

I’ve been thinking of getting a bed frame that elevates to help with the acid reflux. I’m a side sleeper
so I’m not sure if it will be comfortable for me.

@ks they put me on pepcid. I have not noticed any improvement. The only side effect has been very strange dreams. I also just had the x-ray where they had me swallow barium to see how well I swallow and check for obstructions. They found a hiatial hernia causing reflux.

I want to elevate my bed as well but the wife will not go for it. I ordered a wedge pillow from Amazon for $40 and am waiting for it to arrive. I sleep on my side as well but the reviews say this is still comfortable for side-sleepers. I LOVE coffee too. I've cut down to 1.5 cups in the morning only. This is the best I can do for now. I am not bothered enough to change much else.

Amazon also has a bed called LUCID that is adjustable and not insanely expensive. We are thinking of buying two twins to place side by side so I can elevate while she is flat. We need a new bed and mattress anyway so might give it a try.