postnasal drip

noun

post·​na·​sal drip ˈpōst-ˌnā-zəl- How to pronounce postnasal drip (audio)
: flow of mucous secretion from the posterior part of the nasal cavity onto the wall of the pharynx occurring usually as a chronic accompaniment of an allergic state

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Chronic cough is most commonly caused by asthma, postnasal drip, and, perhaps surprisingly to some, reflux. The Conversation, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2023 The malodor of halitosis usually results from the bacterial breakdown of amino acids in food debris, saliva, blood, and postnasal drip in the oral cavity. H Lee Kagan, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2011 Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy nose, and/or throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and postnasal drip. Dallas News, 11 Oct. 2022 Copious amounts of clear, thin phlegm usually indicate an allergic reaction; the extra volume indicates that your body is trying to flush out the pathogen, and can show up as postnasal drip or a wet cough. Jack Feerick, Discover Magazine, 10 Nov. 2020 In the last 20 years, Lee has landed in the hospital a half-dozen times after the postnasal drip from a cold or seasonal allergies triggered congestion, then bronchitis and pneumonia. Marion Renault, The New Republic, 21 Oct. 2021 And because a lot of cold symptoms—like runny nose and postnasal drip—are generated from the sinuses, Dr. Wasylyshyn's advice to his patients who are dealing with a cold is to focus on clearing those up. Colleen Murphy, Health.com, 27 Sep. 2021 And people with a persistent postnasal drip experience a flow of mucous that rides on top of the vocal folds. Star Tribune, 21 July 2021 And all that postnasal drip can cause a stink by ending up stuck on the back of your tongue, which is incredibly hard to reach with a toothbrush. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 5 May 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'postnasal drip.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of postnasal drip was circa 1949

Dictionary Entries Near postnasal drip

Cite this Entry

“Postnasal drip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postnasal%20drip. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

postnasal drip

noun
post·​na·​sal drip ˈpōst-ˌnā-zəl How to pronounce postnasal drip (audio)
: a flow of mucus from the passages of the nose onto the back of the throat that occurs especially as a result of allergies

Medical Definition

postnasal drip

noun
: flow of mucous secretion from the posterior part of the nasal cavity onto the wall of the pharynx occurring usually as a chronic accompaniment of an allergic state or a viral infection
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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