The human nose is a natural filter picking up dust particles, bacteria and other air pollutants on a daily basis. With the normal production of mucus, the debris collected is then swept to the back of the throat by millions of tiny hair like structures called cilia. These cilia line the nasal cavity and then are swallowed. Once in the stomach the acids destroy any dangerous bacteria. Although this sounds pretty disgusting, it is a routine bodily function that most people do not notice because the mucus is very thin.

Postnasal drip is a continuous background process that many individuals are not even aware of. Without it, the mucus that collects dust and bacteria from the air we breathe will just sit there at the back of the throat. Eventually, anaerobic bacteria will find their way to the mucus and see it as a potential food source. When the bacteria breaks down this food, foul-smelling chemicals are released and when we exhale, this is translated into bad breath.

The anaerobic bacteria that thrive in an environment free of oxygen love the amino acids that are found in mucus, phlegm, dairy, and other high protein foods. The reason being that the mucus protects the bacteria from being exposed to oxygen, it acts like a shield around the bacteria. In fact, many people notice that when they drink too much milk or eat too much cheese, they end up with more mucus or phlegm in their throat.

When anaerobic bacteria get exposed to open air, they die. Mucus protects them from this situation by keeping them surrounded. This protection, together with the food that mucus provides, allows these bacteria to propagate and keep producing the bad odor we normally know as bad breath. If you have colds or some other illness that makes you produce more mucus, it naturally follows that you will be more prone to having bad breath.

This halitosis-causing mucus can be eliminated by taking antihistamines or other cold remedies. Once you take a sufficient dosage of these medications, the postnasal drip will be reduced, opening up your nasal passages for easier breathing. That’s the advantage of cold remedies. However, they also have a disadvantage. In the process of clearing your nasal passages, they also dry out your mouth, which is another likely cause of halitosis. To rectify this situation, all you have to do is drink plenty of liquids while taking your antihistamines and cold medications. If this is not practical, you may also chew gum in order to stimulate the continuous flow of saliva, which is also good for keeping your mouth hydrated, preventing the anaerobic bacteria from thriving.

It is vital to keep the mucus thin. You do not want to have the feeling that something solid is stuck at the back of your throat that you find impossible to get rid of. If you take steam via a steamer, take a hot shower or go for a sauna, you will find that the mucus become thin and easier to expel. You can add few herbs to the water in the humidifier to help you breathe better. You should also take in lots of hot liquids like soups and teas. If you drink thin soups and peppermint or other herbal teas, you will find they soothe the throat and also help with the post nasal drip.

There are many other products that can be used to reduce mucus buildup at the back of your throat. Nasal sinus drops are commonly prescribed by doctors, as well as certain oral medication. AktivOxigen tablets are such kinds of medication. These tablets are melted in water or a mouthwash solution to wash the back of the throat with oxygen that will kill the odor-causing bacteria. They are also effective in reducing the smell of volatile sulfur compounds.

Now you know that if you have colds, you will definitely have mucus buildup in your throat passages. If you do not take measures to eliminate this buildup, they will eventually attract bacteria that will break down the amino acids in the mucus. In this process, volatile sulfur compounds may be produced, which have a smell equivalent to that of rotten eggs. If you don’t want to experience this nasty condition, you must use mouthwash and other oral medications to prevent the accumulation of mucus. If over the counter medications do not work, you can always go to your doctor and ask for a recommendation.

Tags: Dental

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