IS this because of my allergies?

I take Rhinocort and was told to take an over the counter allergy medicine too when my allergies act up. Well this was after having Bronchitis 2x back to back almost in Jan and Feb. I took forever to finally feel better. Here we are in August and I feel the same thing happening. Some sneezing and sore throat, now getting worse and I feel some congestion in my chest or lungs.  I clearing my throat constantly. (wk on the phones all day).I have to clear out my nose and throat in the morning, during my sleep I get a lining of mucus that I can feel and am able to blow out. It is like sheets of mucus. Then globs that I cough up. Kind of green but not bright. I feel am taking the meds since I started feeling this way and want to see why I feel all of this just because of allergies. What can I do to prevent this from happening? It stars off as on thing and gets worse fast! Please help with any suggestions

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[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello!

You seem to having Post-nasal drip (PND).
The post nasal drip that you are having is leading to the cough and the green phlegm. Post-nasal drip (PND) occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the sinuses. The excess mucus accumulates in the throat or back of the nose. It can be caused by rhinitis, sinusitis, or laryngopharyngeal acid reflux. It can be enhanced or sometimes even caused by allergies.

Pls check out with an ENT specialist if you are having chronic rhinitis or sinusitis. If you have chronic sinusitis then it can lead to continuous production of mucus and less drainage leading to post nasal drip. Transillumination test and X-Ray or CT sinuses can help in diagnosing it. If allergic rhinitis is the cause of PND, then it can be diagnosed by skin ***** tests or blood tests like RAST.

Take plenty of fluids throughout the day and inhale steam as many times as possible. . Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water may help to soften, and loosen, the build up of mucus in your nose. You may also find that adding some menthol crystals, or eucalyptus oil, to the water, helps to ease your symptoms of catarrh.

However, you should not use decongestants for more than 5-7 days at a time. You can also use OTC antihistaminics like zyrtec for some days and see if they provide relief or not. Some chronic cases may need oral steroids or steroid nasal sprays(like the one you’re already taking) and antibiotics. These can be taken only after prescription.

Hope I have provided you with sufficient information. In case, you need any more you are most welcome to ask.

[jmom3]

Ok, thanks I always thought PND would have been like a runny nose. I just so happen to have a Dr. appointment Friday. I scheduled it last week before I even started feeling bad. This was for another issue but I will bring this up too. Is there a different med I should be taking to prevent it if that is what it is? THANKS!!