Bad breath due to post nasal drip is a consequence of excess mucus due to sinus or tonsil problem. The following article provides information about the various symptoms and treatment options available for bad breath due to post nasal drip.
Post nasal drip is caused due to excessive mucus secretion by the sinuses. This excess mucus that collects at the back of nose or throat, causes bad breath which is called post nasal drip bad breath. The culprit behind the bad breath are bacteria that grow in the mucus. In fact, it is the mucus that provides a constant source of food to the bacteria, that cause bad breath or halitosis. These bacteria live at the back of the tongue, and break down protein in the mouth to sulfur compounds, which is why our breath smells foul.
Symptoms
As the name suggests, the only symptom of this condition is bad breath. However, the problem with most people is that they fail to understand that it is their sinus problem that is behind halitosis. Due to this reason, many people resort to mouth washes, or concentrate on other methods of oral hygiene, as a cure. Therefore, it is important to know other symptoms that would enable one to address the problem correctly.
The other signs to look for are:
- Tickling sensation in the throat
- Swallowing or spitting mucus frequently due to excess mucus in throat
- Broken voice
- Sore throat
- Labored breathing
- Coughing or snorting to clear the throat of excess mucus
- Vomiting due to swallowing excessive amount of mucus
Initially, the effects may be limited to the aforementioned symptoms only. However, excess sinus discharge can lead to other problems like tonsil stones. These are tonsil crypts that are formed due to collection of dead cells and debris on the tonsils. As they grow big, they look like pale aggregate, resembling stones. Other than the mucus, the tonsiloliths or tonsil stones also provide food for the foul odor-causing bacteria. Although, they can be removed, they tend to recur, thereby contributing to bad breath. Hence, being aware of the symptoms, and treating the condition immediately is a must.
Treatment
As aforementioned, many people who are not able to associate the problem of bad breath with post nasal drip, often resort to remedies to improve oral hygiene. However, the best remedy is to address the main cause, i.e sinusitis. Even though there are some other remedies that can mask bad breath, they won’t eliminate the problem. However, it is important to note that it is not just sinusitis but also tonsillitis that causes post nasal drip bad breath. Sinus infection and tonsillitis are medical conditions that must be addressed under the guidance of a physician.
Although, some individuals get rid of the problem with proper sinus infection treatment, for some it may be a long-term commitment. Another treatment option for this condition is the use of commercial products that target the bacteria. These products aim at reducing the population of bacteria in the mouth and keep their numbers under control. Although, these drops are commercial products, it is best to consult a doctor before using them. This is to reduce any complications that may arise due to the ingredients present in them.
Post nasal drip bad breath may be difficult to treat, as the underlying cause which is secretion of excess mucus is difficult to control. However, it is important to ensure that one’s bad breath is the result of excess mucus and not due to improper oral hygiene, so that, the problem can be treated effectively.
