How can you tell if chronic sinusitis is the cause? In addition to sputum production, look for the following signs:
- Pain and pressure in the face. You may experience a dull, persistent pain or pressure in the nose, cheeks, between the eyes, or forehead. This sensation often worsens when you bend your head forward.
- Bad breath (halitosis). When mucus stagnates in the sinuses, bacteria can proliferate and release foul-smelling compounds responsible for persistent bad breath.
- Nasal congestion and loss of smell. You will likely have a blocked nose and may notice that your sense of smell is less developed than before.
To remedy this, hydration is your best weapon. Drinking plenty of water thins the mucus, making it easier to expel. You can also perform nasal rinses with a saline solution, which physically clear the mucus and irritants accumulated in your sinuses. Steam inhalations are also very effective. Later, I will explain precisely how to perform them safely with powerful medicinal herbs.
3. Food allergies and intolerances: the gut-throat connection
Here’s a cause that surprises many: diet. In some people, certain foods can trigger an excessive immune response, causing inflammation and increased mucus production throughout the body, including the respiratory system. Dairy products and gluten-containing foods are most often implicated, but any food, from tomatoes to oranges, can be a trigger, depending on the individual.
This happens because when the gut becomes inflamed due to an intolerable food, the inflammatory signals don’t stay confined to the digestive system. They can spread throughout the body and affect other parts, such as the respiratory tract. This results in the characteristic cough, nasal congestion, and, of course, a buildup of mucus in the throat. The most difficult part is that this can occur even without obvious digestive symptoms like bloating or diarrhea.
How can you tell if you have a food allergy?
- Symptoms appear after meals. You may notice an increase in mucus, an itchy sensation in the mouth or throat, or the need to clear your throat a few minutes to two hours after consuming a particular food.
- It’s a process of elimination. If you don’t smoke and have ruled out gastroesophageal reflux and sinusitis, a food intolerance is a very likely possibility. The best way to check is to completely eliminate the suspected food group, such as dairy or gluten, from your diet for two to three weeks. For many people, this simple change dramatically reduces mucus.
If you notice a significant improvement, you have likely found the responsible allergen. If you are unsure what you might be allergic to, it is best to consult a doctor or allergist who can perform tests to identify the specific allergens.
4. Postnasal drip due to allergic rhinitis: a constant discharge
Finally, the fourth common cause is postnasal drip, most often due to chronic allergic rhinitis. This is essentially an allergy to airborne particles, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or pet dander. When an allergen is inhaled, the immune system overreacts by releasing histamine and other inflammatory substances.
These chemicals cause the nasal passages to swell and produce a large amount of thin mucus in an attempt to flush out the allergen. This is what we call a runny nose. However, this mucus doesn’t only drain from the nostrils; a significant amount also flows down the throat. This is called postnasal drip. When this persists, the mucus can become thicker and stickier, creating that constant sensation of phlegm stuck in the throat, especially at night when lying down.
You should suspect allergic rhinitis if:
- Your symptoms are seasonal. Do your phlegm symptoms worsen in spring or autumn, when pollen concentrations are high?
- You are experiencing other allergy symptoms. In addition to phlegm, you will likely experience other classic allergy signs, such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
- Your environment may be a triggering factor. Do your symptoms worsen when you are around a cat, in a dusty room, or after a windy day outside?
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