Q I've had post-nasal drip for more than three years. Can it still be treated even after so long?
A Chronic post-nasal drip can still be treated. However, the longer it lasts, the more fixed the mucosal changes become, so rather than complete elimination, we set staged goals such as reducing the amount of secretion, easing the throat sensation, and lowering the frequency of flare-ups. Three to six months of consistent treatment is needed.
Detailed Answer
Chronic post-nasal drip lasting more than three years is often accompanied by tissue changes in the nasal mucosa (chronic hypertrophic rhinitis, possibly with nasal polyps), thickening of the sinus mucosa, and reduced mucosal immune function. When structural abnormalities (nasal polyps, deviated septum) are severe, surgical correction should come first for Korean medicine treatment to work better. If there are no such structural problems, functional recovery is possible with Korean medicine treatment alone. Setting realistic goals is important. Minimizing daily discomfort and lengthening the flare-up cycle, rather than complete elimination, is the realistic treatment goal for patients with more than three years of symptoms.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Long-standing phlegm-fluid is stubborn, but with consistent phlegm-transforming and Lung-tonifying treatment you can see the process of phlegm-fluid dissolving and being expelled. In the early stage of treatment there may be a period when phlegm or nasal secretions actually increase, which is a normal response of accumulated phlegm-fluid being discharged.
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