Column July 18, 2025
Post-Nasal Drip — The Discomfort of Mucus Running Down the Throat
Hyo-seop Kim
Chief Director
Table of Contents
The nose isn't blocked, but the throat feels uncomfortable
Post-nasal drip is a condition in which mucus produced in the nasal cavity and sinuses flows backward and irritates the pharynx. It causes a sensation of something stuck at the back of the throat, throat clearing, hoarseness, and nausea, and tends to worsen when lying down.
Causes of post-nasal drip
- Allergic rhinitis → excessive thin mucus production
- Sinusitis → purulent mucus draining backward
- Deviated nasal septum → poor mucus drainage pathway
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux → acid irritation triggers excessive mucus secretion
Korean medicine diagnosis: spleen deficiency with damp accumulation (脾虛濕蒸)
The Korean medicine view is that post-nasal drip stems from a weakened spleen and stomach with poor fluid metabolism.
- Modified Samso-eum (蔘蘇飮): Tonifies the spleen and stomach while clearing phlegm (mucus) from the throat
- Banhahubak-tang: For severe globus sensation (plum pit qi)
- Acupuncture: Yingxiang (LI20) and Shangxing (GV23) promote nasal drainage; Zhongwan (CV12) and Zusanli (ST36) strengthen spleen and stomach function
Daily care
- Nasal irrigation to physically clear mucus — twice a day is recommended
- Slightly elevate the head when sleeping to reduce mucus dripping backward
- Excessive dairy intake can thicken mucus → keep portions moderate