The interconnection between the nose, ears, and throat is something most individuals are fairly familiar with. Air travels freely between all three. That’s why you can “pop” your ears by closing your mouth, plugging your nose, and pushing air in. But air, unfortunately, isn’t all that moves between your nose, ears, and throat. So can mucus.
Typically, mucus will move most easily down your throat. When this occurs, it’s called “post-nasal-drip”. The common cold, allergies, or sinus infections are all potential causes of post-nasal-drip. Usually, post-nasal drip is relatively harmless (though uncomfortable). But in some circumstances, it can bring about related illnesses. And that’s what can happen with a condition called bronchitis.
Understanding the relationship between post-nasal drip and bronchitis can help you better understand your symptoms (and how to avoid them).
Post-Nasal-Drip – What is it?
Even when you’re not ill, about one quart of mucus is generated by your nose every day. Thankfully, most people’s bodies are capable of dealing with that amount of mucus. However, when you’re sick, that changes, and you begin to produce more mucus than your body can typically handle.
When there’s too much mucus in your nose, it has a tendency to drip down the back of your throat (it simply follows gravity). Some of this post-nasal-drip will inevitably find its way into parts of your respiratory system. It’s not really anything you want to happen. Can post-nasal-drip find its way into your lungs? Definitely. That’s why post-nasal drip can trigger a variety of symptoms and conditions, from a sore throat to pneumonia.
Post-nasal drip will typically resolve itself when the root cause is also resolved.
What is bronchitis?
When the bronchial tubes become irritated and inflamed, it’s known as bronchitis. The tubes where oxygen is transported through the lungs are called bronchial tubes. When they get infected or inflamed, it can become harder to breathe. Sore throat, coughing, and chest congestion are all symptoms of bronchitis.
There are two kinds of bronchitis:
- Acute bronchitis: This is the bronchitis triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. Usually, it will only take a few days for bronchitis to clear itself up.
- Chronic bronchitis: This is persistent bronchitis that never seems to go away. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis can be controlled, but the condition cannot be cured. This type of bronchitis is not caused by post-nasal-drip (and is usually instead caused by long-term exposure to hazardous toxins or chemicals). However, post-nasal-drip syndrome, a condition in which the post-nasal-drip is persistent, can cause chronic bronchitis.
Does post-nasal-drip cause bronchitis?
As phlegm and mucus move through your body, it doesn’t always do so harmlessly. Often, these fluids can trigger an immune response from other parts of your body. That’s definitely the case with regard to the bronchial tubes.
Inflammation and irritation are the typical results of this immune response. This causes discomfort in your bronchial tubes. Bronchial symptoms, like coughing and tightness of the chest, are usually the end results. In this way, post-nasal drip triggers bronchitis in some people.
How can you tell if bronchitis will be the outcome of a sinus infection in advance? Well, you can’t always. But there are some things that can make the development of bronchitis from post-nasal-drip more likely. For instance, your risk profile may increase if:
- You’re a smoker: Your overall respiratory system, including your bronchial tubes, will be more susceptible to infections. Improved respiratory health can lead to better mucus drainage.
- You’re immune system is compromised: Post-nasal-drip will occur more often if a compromised immune system is causing your body to have a hard time fighting infections, and this will result in a higher risk of experiencing bronchitis.
- You have chronic sinus infections: You are increasingly more likely to experience bronchitis the more you experience post-nasal-drip and sinus infections.
- You have allergies or asthma: You will experience post-nasal-drip more often if you have a runny nose caused by allergies. And if that occurs, you may develop bronchitis more often.
How to reduce your risk
Here are a few ways you can decrease your risk of developing bronchitis:
- Use a humidifier when humidity is low.
- Decrease inflammation and discomfort when you’re sick by utilizing throat lozenges.
- Remaining hydrated and drinking plenty of water.
- When you’re not feeling well, get lots of rest.
- Find relief from symptoms like coughing by making use of over-the-counter remedies.
If your bronchitis symptoms persist or recur frequently, set up an appointment to talk about your treatment solutions. Getting your post-nasal drip under control can help you avoid bronchitis and other associated illnesses.