How to Pronounce Postnasal Drip
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Postnasal Drip Pronunciation
POHST-nay-zal DRIP
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
POHST
stress here
nay
zal DRIP
3 syllables
What is Postnasal Drip?
The sensation of mucus draining from the back of the nose and sinuses down the throat, causing throat clearing, cough, hoarseness, and sometimes nausea. It is a symptom of allergic or non-allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or reflux rather than a diagnosis in itself.
Questions About Postnasal Drip
How do you pronounce 'postnasal drip'?
+
Say it like this: POHST-nay-zal DRIP. The first word rhymes with 'ghost' and has the stress on the first syllable (POHST). The second word is said like 'nay-zal' and rhymes with 'nasal.' The word 'drip' sounds just like the everyday word for liquid falling drop by drop.
Which syllable gets the stress in 'postnasal drip'?
+
The stress falls on the first syllable of the first word: POHST-nay-zal DRIP. A common mistake is stressing the middle part (post-NAY-zal), but that's incorrect. Remember: the emphasis goes at the very beginning, on 'POHST.'
How do you break 'postnasal drip' into syllables?
+
It breaks into four syllables total: POHST-nay-zal DRIP. The first word 'postnasal' has three syllables, and 'drip' is just one. Say each part clearly and you'll have it right.
What does 'postnasal' actually mean?
+
'Post' is a prefix meaning 'after' or 'behind,' and 'nasal' refers to the nose. So 'postnasal' literally means 'behind the nose.' This describes something happening or moving in the back area of the nasal passage toward the throat.
What is the plain English way to describe postnasal drip?
+
The simplest way to say it is 'mucus dripping down the back of your throat' or 'drainage from the nose going down the throat.' You might also hear someone say 'drainage from the back of the nose' or just 'nasal drainage.'
Are there related words that use the same 'nasal' root?
+
Yes! 'Nasal' appears in words like 'rhinitis' (inflammation of the nasal passages) and 'sinusitis' (inflammation of the sinuses near the nose). All of these words are connected to the nose and how it functions or drains.
Is there a short form or abbreviation for postnasal drip?
+
It's sometimes shortened to 'PND' in medical writing, which stands for 'postnasal drip.' You say the letters out loud: P-N-D. However, most people just say the full term 'postnasal drip' in everyday conversation.
How would you use 'postnasal drip' in a sentence?
+
You might say: 'The patient complained of postnasal drip affecting her throat' or 'Postnasal drip is a common reason people experience throat clearing.' The term is used to describe a specific sensation or symptom someone is experiencing.