How is a PNDS diagnosed?
The physician (preferably an ENT specialist) diagnoses a postnasal drip syndrome next to the patient’s medical history by means of a nasal endoscopy (nasal cavity endoscopy). To do this, he or she inserts an endoscope with a light source into the nose, examines the mucous membranes and looks for causes of nasal congestion. The patient’s throat is then inspected to see if there is excessive mucus flow.
These examinations are usually sufficient to diagnose PNDS and determine the underlying disease. In rare cases, when no cause for PNDS can be found, the doctor may prescribe a CT or MRI of the head. With these imaging procedures, the pharynx and paranasal sinuses can be better assessed and possible causes can be diagnosed. If an allergic event is suspected, the physician will initiate an allergy diagnosis (skin test, laboratory test or provocation test).
