You might already know that the ears, nose, and throat are all interconnected. All of the passages are connected allowing air to travel freely between them. That’s why you can plug your nose, close your mouth, and “pop” your ears. But air, regrettably, isn’t all that moves between your nose, ears, and throat. So can mucus.
Under typical circumstances, your throat is where mucus most easily travels. When this occurs, it’s known as “post-nasal-drip”. The common cold, allergies, or sinus infections are all possible causes of post-nasal-drip. Typically, post-nasal drip is quite harmless (though uncomfortable). But in some circumstances, it can bring about related ailments. 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).
What is post-nasal drip?
Even when you’re not ill, about one quart of mucus is generated by your nose every day. Luckily, most people’s bodies are capable of dealing with that amount of mucus. However, when you’re ill, that changes, and you start producing more mucus than your body can typically handle.
Surplus mucus will simply follow gravity and drip down into your throat. This effectively exposes portions of your respiratory symptoms to your post-nasal drip. It’s not an ideal situation. Can post-nasal-drip find its way into your lungs? It definitely can. That’s why post-nasal drip can trigger a variety of symptoms and conditions, from a sore throat to pneumonia.
Once the inherent cause of post-nasal-drip has resolved, it clear itself up.
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an aggravation and inflammation of the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes are, effectively, the tubes that carry oxygen to and from your lungs. It can be tough to breathe when these tubes become swollen or infected. Sore throat, coughing, and chest congestion are all symptoms of bronchitis.
There are two forms of bronchitis:
- Chronic bronchitis: This is persistent bronchitis that doesn’t get better. Chronic bronchitis can’t be cured but it can be controlled. This form of bronchitis is usually caused by long-term exposure to toxic chemicals rather than post-nasal-drip. However, persistent post-nasal-drip, known as post-nasal-drip syndrome, can result in chronic bronchitis.
- Acute bronchitis: This is when a bacterial or viral infection is the source of bronchitis. Normally, it will only take a few days for bronchitis to clear itself up.
Is bronchitis caused by post-nasal-drip?
As phlegm and mucus move through your body, it doesn’t always do so harmlessly. Frequently, these fluids can cause an immune response from other parts of your body. That’s certainly the case with regard to the bronchial tubes.
Inflammation and irritation are the common results of this immune response. This causes discomfort in your bronchial tubes. Bronchial symptoms, like coughing and tightness of the chest, are usually the outcomes. For some people, this post-nasal-drip will cause bronchitis..
How can you tell if bronchitis will be the result of a sinus infection in advance? Well, you can’t always. But there are some things that can make experiencing bronchitis from post-nasal-drip more likely. For instance, your risk profile might increase if:
- You’re a smoker: This can make the bronchial tubes (and the rest of your respiratory system) more prone to infection. Improved respiratory health can lead to better mucus drainage.
- You endure chronic sinus infections: The more often you experience sinus infections and post-nasal-drip, the more likely you are to experience bronchitis.
- You’re immune system is compromised: Post-nasal-drip will take place more frequently if a compromised immune system is causing your body to have difficulty fighting infections, and this will result in an increased risk of experiencing bronchitis.
- You have allergies or asthma: You will experience post-nasal-drip more frequently if you have a runny nose caused by allergies. And if that takes place, you could develop bronchitis more often.
How to reduce your risk
You can try lowering your risk of experiencing bronchitis by:
- Get plenty of rest when you aren’t feeling well.
- Decrease swelling and discomfort when you’re sick by using throat lozenges.
- Use over-the-counter remedies to help alleviate coughing and other symptoms.
- Drink plenty of fluids and remain hydrated.
- Utilize a humidifier when humidity is low.
If your bronchitis symptoms linger or recur frequently, make an appointment to talk about your treatment options. Bronchitis and other associated conditions can be avoided by getting your post-nasal-drip under control.