Nasal secretions draining into the throat during sleep

Under normal circumstances, nasal secretions flowing into the throat during sleep may be caused by conditions such as postnasal drip syndrome, allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis. Patients should seek symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Postnasal Drip Syndrome

This may result from environmental factors or infection with pathogenic microorganisms causing inflammatory reactions in the nasal cavity, significantly increasing nasal secretions and leading to mucus dripping backward into the pharynx. In such cases, medications such as ephedrine hydrochloride nasal drops or赛洛唑啉 (xylometazoline) hydrochloride nasal spray can be used under medical supervision.

2. Allergic Rhinitis

This occurs due to hypersensitivity of the body upon exposure to allergens such as pollen or animal dander, triggering inflammation in the nasal cavity and increasing nasal secretions. Since the nasal cavity and throat are connected, when lying down, these secretions may flow back into the throat. In such cases, local treatments such as mometasone furoate nasal spray or oral ribavirin tablets may be prescribed under medical guidance.

3. Sinusitis

Inflammation in the sinuses leads to increased nasal secretions. When lying down during sleep, nasal discharge flows backward into the throat. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime dispersible tablets for treatment.

Besides the three common causes mentioned above, this symptom could also be caused by other factors such as reflux pharyngitis, nasal polyps, or adenoid inflammation. A thorough evaluation at a hospital is necessary to determine the exact cause, and treatment should be administered according to medical advice. Prompt medical attention is essential to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.