Does your child have constant nasal congestion, wheezing in the throat, or coughing in the mornings?
The most common cause of these complaints is postnasal drip. When mucus produced in the nose flows toward the throat, the child frequently clears their throat and may wake up with coughing at night. Although it is often due to a simple cold, conditions such as allergies, adenoid enlargement, or sinusitis can also cause postnasal drip.
Causes of Postnasal Drip in Children
- Allergic rhinitis: Seasonal pollens, house dust, or animal dander cause swelling and increased mucus in the nasal mucosa.
2. Adenoid enlargement: The adenoids located at the back of the nose cause congestion and constant discharge.
3. Upper respiratory tract infections: Common in school-age children, recurrent infections can turn into chronic postnasal drip.
4. Sinusitis: Especially after age 5 with the development of sinuses, nasal discharge begins to flow toward the throat.
5. Reflux: The backflow of stomach contents irritates the nasal and throat mucosa, increasing secretion.
Symptoms
- Constant nasal congestion and mouth breathing
- Nighttime coughing or wheezing
- Bad breath
- Phlegm in the throat and frequent throat clearing
- Nasal speech (as if the voice is coming from the nose)
Diagnosis
The condition of the nose and pharynx is evaluated with an ENT examination. With endoscopic examination, adenoid size and mucus accumulation can be directly observed.
Treatment
- Nasal irrigation: Daily nasal cleansing with isotonic saline reduces mucus.
- Allergy control: At home, triggers such as dust, smoke, and perfume should be avoided.
- Medical treatment: Antihistamines or appropriate nasal spray according to allergic or infectious causes.
- Adenoid surgery: If congestion and postnasal drip persist for a long time and affect the child’s sleep quality, surgical evaluation is necessary.
“Postnasal drip in children is often a sign of underlying adenoid enlargement or allergies. If symptoms such as frequent throat clearing, nasal congestion, or mouth breathing persist for a long time, the cause must be investigated with an endoscopic examination.”
Prof. Dr. Elif Aksoy
Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist
