Diagnosis

Diagnosis

A definitive diagnosis cannot be made from the medical history and physical examination alone as symptoms and signs in PNDS are nonspecific (1,2).

• the patient complains of a sensation of having something drip down into the throat, nasal discharge, or frequent throat clearing
• on examination the presence of mucoid or mucopurulent secretions, or 'cobblestoning' of the mucosa in the nasopharynges or oropharynges is also suggestive of the diagnosis (1,2).

An empiric trial of therapy which results in improvement or resolution of cough can also be used in confirming the diagnosis of PNDS as a cause of cough (1,2)

Reference

1. Pratter M. Chronic upper airway cough syndrome secondary to rhinosinus diseases (previously referred to as postnasal drip syndrome): ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006;129(suppl 1):63S-71S.
2. Parker SM, Smith JA, Birring SS, et al. British Thoracic Society Clinical Statement on chronic cough in adults. Thorax. 2023 Dec 6;78(suppl 6):s3-19.