Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by the chronic or persistent sensation of mucus accumulating at the back of the throat or dripping from the rear of the nasal cavity into the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose).

Usage

This term is used specifically in medical and general health contexts to describe a symptom often associated with allergies, sinus infections, or the common cold. It refers to the feeling or actual flow of mucus, not the mucus itself.

Examples

• Noun:
  • My doctor said my persistent cough is likely caused by postnasal drip.
  • Allergy season always gives me terrible postnasal drip, which makes my throat sore.
  • A common symptom of chronic rhinitis is postnasal drip.

Advanced Usage

• "to have postnasal drip": to experience the condition.
  • I think I have postnasal drip because I constantly feel the need to clear my throat.

Variants and Related Words

• Drip (noun): In this medical compound, it refers to a trickling or flowing liquid. On its own, "drip" has broader meanings (e.g., a drop of liquid, a slow leak, or informal slang for a boring person).
• Rhinorrhea (noun): The medical term for a runny nose, which is a related condition but describes mucus discharge from the front of the nose.
• Nasal drainage: A more general, descriptive phrase for mucus leaving the nasal passages.

Synonyms

• Nasopharyngeal drainage: A more clinical synonym.
• Upper airway cough syndrome: A term sometimes used in medicine when the primary symptom is a chronic cough triggered by the drip.

Related Phrases

• Postnasal drip syndrome: A fuller term sometimes used to describe the condition, especially when it causes a cluster of symptoms like coughing and throat clearing.

Noun

1. chronic secretion of mucus from the rear of the nasal cavity into the nasopharynx