Post-nasal drip (2024)

FAQs

How did you get rid of post-nasal drip? ›

You can turn to a number of home treatments to relieve the symptoms of postnasal drip. Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip. Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) can work to get rid of postnasal drip.

How long does postnasal drip last? Postnasal drip usually resolves on it's own or with simple remedies to help ease any discomfort. If postnasal drip does not clear up within a couple of weeks, talk to your healthcare provider.

The condition often worsens at night, because when you lie down, the mucus is more likely to collect at the back of the throat and drip into it. Several different conditions can cause it, including allergies, a cold, flu, sinus infection, breathing in smoke or dust, or even chronic acid reflux.

Additionally, drinking warm water throughout the day can also be effective in reducing post-nasal drip by thinning out mucus and making it easier to clear the nasal passages.

Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Elevate your head at night to help mucus drain. You can also gargle saltwater, inhale steam, use a humidifier, and drink warm fluids. These remedies will thin mucus and moisturize your nasal passages.

Several medications may help dry up sinus drainage in the throat: Decongestants help reduce swelling in the sinuses, which can help reduce mucus. Antihistamines help reduce inflammation from an allergic reaction. Expectorants help thin mucus and make it less sticky.

Did you know that spices and herbs such as ginger, onion, garlic and cayenne contain active compounds that can help decrease post-nasal drip, reduce nasal congestion and improve the flow of mucus making your sinuses less inflamed!

For excessive clear mucus production from hyperactive nerve stimulation, or vasomotor rhinitis, an anticholinergic nasal spray can be effective. If this does not work, a highly specialized procedure called a vidian neurectomy can be performed to transect the nerve responsible for the excessive mucus production.

Drinking enough liquids, especially warm ones can help with mucus flow. Water and other liquids can loosen your congestion by helping your mucus move. Try sipping liquids, like juice, clear broths, and soup. Other good liquid choices include decaffeinated tea, warm fruit juice, and lemon water.

Should you swallow phlegm or spit it out? ›

If your mucus is dry and you are having trouble coughing it up, you can do things like take a steamy shower or use a humidifier to wet and loosen the mucus. When you do cough up phlegm (another word for mucus) from your chest, Dr. Boucher says it really doesn't matter if you spit it out or swallow it.

It's a common symptom of colds, allergies, and infections. Most of the time, you can treat postnasal drip with OTC medications and at-home remedies. If you keep getting postnasal drip, or it doesn't go away and you have other symptoms, see your doctor to find out the cause and best way to treat it.

Medication – Clearing your sinuses of mucus before bed allows for easier breathing and a better night's sleep. Your doctor that treats ENT issues may recommend a decongestant or saline nasal spray to clear your airways. Allergy Treatments – Allergies are a common cause of postnasal drip.

“Whether you have allergies, a sinus infection, or chronic congestion and a runny nose from the common cold, the best way to treat the ever-annoying post-nasal drip is with a prescribed nasal steroid, like Flonase.

Did you know that spices and herbs such as ginger, onion, garlic and cayenne contain active compounds that can help decrease post-nasal drip, reduce nasal congestion and improve the flow of mucus making your sinuses less inflamed!