A nasal problem is a very general description of a variety of very specific problems that all hearken back to the same culprit: post nasal drip. It is important not to make the mistake in thinking that post nasal drip is the cause of every nasal problem. It is more accurate to say that a nasal problem is the result of letting post nasal drip go unchecked.

Post nasal drip is a sensation of mucous or liquid buildup in the back of the throat. It is very common and not very dangerous unless left unchecked. When you spot a sinus infection symptom, it probably began with ignored post nasal drip. But a sinus infection, or sinusitis, is only one kind of nasal problem. This article will describe various nasal problems, in order to provide helpful information about the relationship between something as small as post nasal drip and something big enough to be called a nasal problem.

The following are considered sinus infection symptoms which indicate the onset of a nasal problem, and they generally begin with post nasal drip:

Nasal Congestions

Nasal congestions begin if post nasal drip is left unchecked as it accumulates. Because the throat and nose are so closely connected, the accumulation of liquid and mucous can move into the nasal passages creating blockage. This is a minor nasal problem that could easily become a major one.

Sinus Pressure

As the blockage remains, the nasal problem becomes greater. The sinus pressure itself is not a result of the blockage; it is more the result of the blockage remaining a stagnant pool in the nasal passages. Those pools of accumulation become infested with bacteria, which will lead to a bigger nasal problem.

Sinus Headache

Sinus pressure is a tolerable kind of nasal problem, but the headache it can cause by spreading the congestion into the sinuses can become almost unbearable. In addition, the sinus headache may be an indicator of a more serious level of nasal problem. Once a nasal problem reaches this point the cure requires much more work, time, pain, and money.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is very common today. This nasal problem has single handedly wiped out entire classes of schoolchildren and entire offices of corporate employees for days or weeks. It finds easy access, especially to children, and it never wants to leave. Unless the sinusitis is caused by a virus, it may not escalate much further than long-term discomfort. However, if it has become viral, this may be a serious enough nasal problem to merit sinus surgery.

Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery is of course the option used in the most severe case of a nasal problem, but it is still a possibility for anyone who lets post nasal drip accumulate for a long time. Infections can quickly result and become serious enough for surgery.

A nasal problem is not all that may result from unchecked post nasal drip. Post nasal drip also contributes to ear infection and even bad breath.

Prevention of a nasal problem or any other problem caused by post nasal drip is very simple. Xylitol, a natural bacteria repellant found both in fruits and vegetable and in the human body, is used in some of the leading nasal spray and chewing gum companies.

Just as washing hands frequently is prevention against germs we might pick up on a daily basis, using nasal spray to rinse out post nasal drip is prevention against bacteria infestation in the nose, mouth, throat, or ears.

Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisements on health. More information on Nasal Problem or Post Nasal Drip is available at Xlear.com.