3 Causes of Sinus Drainage

3 Causes of Sinus Drainage
Sinus drainage may occur when excessive mucus is secreted by the sinus cavity. The possible causes of sinus drainage are common colds, allergies and sinus infections. Sinus drainage can be characterized as postnasal drip or runny nose, a condition when the sinus drains back to the throat.

Causes of Sinus Drainage

• Common colds: Common colds come from two hundred viruses. One of the initial symptoms of common colds is observed with the sinuses. Common colds are characterized with runny nose with yellow green mucus. The sinus drainage may lead to postnasal drip, which may result to congestion of the chest and sore throat. There is no exact treatment for colds but you can take over the counter decongestant along with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. Increasing water intake and other fluids like chicken soup may also improve the symptoms of common colds.


• Allergies: An allergic reaction may affect a person when the body fights of a substance like pollen, pet dander and dust mites. Allergic reactions often affect people especially during springtime because pollen levels are relatively high. Sinus drainage is one the symptoms associated with allergies. To treat sinus drainage caused by allergies, over the counter antihistamine like Claritin and decongestant like Sudafed are effective.


• Sinus Infection: bacteria, fungus and virus may cause infection of the sinus. Sinus infections are very frequent with people who have nasal polyps, deviated septum and allergic reactions. Sinusitis may result to the swelling of the sinus cavity, which can lock, in the mucus inside the sinuses. People with sinusitis often complain of extreme nose congestion, postnasal drip and sinus pressure pain. If the cause of the sinus infection is bacterial, it can be treated with antibiotics but if the cause is viral infection, it may not have exact treatment. Use of saline spray as well as neti pot may reduce symptoms of sinus infection.