Post Nasal Drip treatment in Chicago
Laryngeal Sensory Neuropathy (LSN)
LSN is a relatively common cause of Post Nasal Drip that is missed in over 90% of patients.
What is the treatment for Layngeal Sensory Neuropathy (LSN)?
- PND associated with allergies:
- Medications used to treat LSN help heal the nerve tissue in the throat and voicebox
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Amitriptyline is a medication that was originally used to treat depression. However, it is no longer used for this purpose because of the of newer generation anti-depressants. Currently it is used primarily to treat headaches and neuropathies (pain and tingling caused by nerve damage).
- Since LSN is caused by nerve damage to the throat and airway, amitriptyline is able to heal the nerve damage.
- Main side effects of Amitriptyline include dry mouth and sedation. Other side effects involving the heart, eyes, and other organs can also occur.
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication that has also been successfully used to treat LSN. Gabapentin is typically taken three times a day and has side effects similar to Amitriptyline.
- Other medications may be tried if side effects prevent the use of these two medications. However, treatment success is typically much lower with other medications.
- If LSN occurs with other disorders that cause PND, patients typically won’t improve until the LSN is treated first.
- Prognosis of LSN
- Approximately 85% of patients with LSN can be successfully treated.
- Many patients will respond completely with treatment and can be weaned off their medication. Others however, may not improve completely but can have a significant response to treatment.
- Some patients may be cured of LSN completely. While others may have intermittent flare ups following another upper respiratory infection. Still, others, may require treatment indefinitely.
Remember- Post Nasal Drip may have many causes that occur at the same time. And it may be necessary to try different medications before finding the treatment regimen. Hopefully you will be starting down the path to finding your Post Nasal Drip cure.
