{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Clinical Aspects of Chronic Idiopathic Postnasal Drip: An Entity Not to Be Overlooked.
{Author}: Cheong TY;Choi IS;
{Journal}: In Vivo
{Volume}: 38
{Issue}: 4
{Year}: 2024 Jul-Aug
{Factor}: 2.406
{DOI}: 10.21873/invivo.13664
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Postnasal drip may be related to several diseases, but not all patients are clearly diagnosed. Patients with chronic, idiopathic postnasal drip symptoms are easily overlooked, and their clinical features are yet to be identified. This study aimed to analyze the clinical features and response to first generation antihistamine-decongestant therapy in patients with chronic idiopathic postnasal drip, suggesting it as a distinct entity.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A retrospective cohort study involving 157 chronic idiopathic postnasal drip patients was conducted, analyzing demographics, symptoms, and treatment response to first-generation antihistamines and nasal decongestants.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Mean age of patients was 55.4±17.0 years old. Median duration of symptom was 36 months (range=12-66 months) and severity in the visual analogue scale was 7 (range=5-8). Throat discomfort was the most frequently associated symptom (73.7%). Cough was recorded in 30.3% of patients. Viscosity of postnasal drip was associated with rhinorrhea and throat discomfort. Of the patients, 71.6% responded positively to 1st generation antihistamine-decongestant medication. However, 25.9% of patients presented symptom re-occurrence. Patients with nasal stiffness or persistent symptoms presented a higher re-occurrence rate compared to others.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This study outlines the clinical features of patients with chronic idiopathic postnasal drip and suggests it as a distinctive entity., This proposal aims to enhance diagnostic precision and promote further research in the field.