
What is the best medicine to stop post nasal drip?
Nov 24, 2021 · Staying hydrated, which can also help to thin mucus. Use a humidifier or vaporizer to keep the air moist. Propping yourself up with extra pillows when you sleep, so the mucus doesn’t collect in the back of your throat. An oral medication such as guaifenesin (Mucinex), which can thin mucus.
What foods are good for post nasal drip?
11 rows · The best medicine for post nasal drip according to consumers is Alkalol Company Mucus Solvent ...
What meds can you take for post nasal drip?
Post-nasal drip can be difficult to cure, and treatment varies according to the cause: Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, nasal spray, decongestants, and nasal saline irrigations. For chronic sinusitis, surgery to open the blocked sinuses may be required. Allergies are best managed by avoiding the causes.
How do you get rid of post nasal drip fast?
Short-lasting post-nasal drip symptoms may be caused by allergies, sinusitis, or viral infections and can often be improved through conservative treatments such as: Drinking lots of fluids Taking decongestants Taking antihistamines Using …

How do you get rid of post-nasal drip fast?
How to stop postnasal dripStaying hydrated, which can also help to thin mucus.Use a humidifier or vaporizer to keep the air moist.Propping yourself up with extra pillows when you sleep, so the mucus doesn't collect in the back of your throat.An oral medication such as guaifenesin (Mucinex), which can thin mucus.Nov 24, 2021
What is the best over-the-counter medication to stop post-nasal 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.
What dries up sinus drainage in throat?
"Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus." Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed.Mar 22, 2012
Is there a cure for constant post-nasal drip?
Post-nasal drip can be difficult to cure, and treatment varies according to the cause: Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, nasal spray, decongestants, and nasal saline irrigations. For chronic sinusitis, surgery to open the blocked sinuses may be required.
What happens if post nasal drip is left untreated?
You may experience a tickling sensation in the back of your throat and reflexive cough. A sore throat or feeling like you have a lump in your throat are also typical postnasal drip symptoms. When left untreated, the excess mucus may also increase your risk of developing an ear or sinus infection.
Why won't the mucus in my throat go away?
Possible causes of excess mucus can be food allergies, an acid reflux from the stomach, or an infection. The consistency of mucus in the throat also varies depending on what is going on in your body. Common causes of too much mucus in the throat include a cold or flu, acute bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.Aug 2, 2021
Why do I feel like I have mucus stuck in my throat?
When mucus starts to build up or trickle down the back of the throat, this is known as postnasal drip. Causes of postnasal drip include infections, allergies, and acid reflux. As well as feeling the need to clear the throat frequently, a person with postnasal drip may also experience: a sore throat.
Which mucinex is best for post-nasal drip?
Try Maximum Strength Mucinex® D for relief. It contains pseudoephedrine HCl and guaifenesin, which may help you clear excess mucus and nasal congestion (as well as the resulting post-nasal drip).
Does Flonase help post-nasal drip?
Nasal steroid sprays are effective at treating postnasal drip because they reduce the amount of mucus that causes coughing, sinus pressure, and sore throats. Flonase and Rhinocort are examples of nasal sprays that are used to treat allergic rhinitis, which is a recurring postnasal drip due to allergies.Oct 26, 2020
What causes prolonged post-nasal drip?
It's a common diagnosis. It can happen for a number of reasons: allergies, viral infections (including the common cold), sinus infections, irritants in the air (such as fumes or dust). Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications.Apr 13, 2018
Does Zyrtec help with post-nasal drip?
Thin postnasal drip secretions caused by allergies may be treated with antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin may offer better relief than older-type antihistamines such as promethazine (older antihistamines tend to thicken post-nasal secretions).Sep 21, 2020
Why do we have post nasal drip?
Post-nasal drip, or upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), is a common disorder associated with many causes including: colds, allergies, acid reflux, and medications . Our bodies are constantly producing mucus, which is beneficial because it traps germs and other debris that might cause us harm.
What causes post nasal drip?
Post-nasal drip can also be caused by infections, including the common cold, RSV, influenza, or sinusitis. 4 The following treatments are available for post-nasal drip caused by an infection. It's important to also see a doctor to rule out the need for antibiotics .
How long does post nasal drip last?
Post-nasal drip can result from abnormalities in other structures involving the nose and sinuses. 6 Symptoms typically last longer than a few weeks. In this case, you should see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) to find out if you need corrective surgery and to discuss ways to manage post-nasal drip until ...
Why is post nasal drip worse at night?
2 GERD is worse at night because gravity makes it easier for acid to "backwash" into the esophagus and back of the throat.
How long should you keep decongestants?
Decongestants, including pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and oxymetazoline, may be helpful. As noted above, avoid using these products for longer than three days to prevent rebound congestion. Decongestants are helpful for most adults but should not be used in children. Drink as much water or other fluids as possible.
What to do if you are allergic to something?
Try an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine or loratadine. If you know what is causing your allergies, avoid triggers. If you do not know what you are allergic to, you should see an allergist/immunologist to determine the cause and discuss the possibility of long term allergy treatment.
Can you take over the counter medication for post nasal drip?
However, you should be aware that many side effects subside the longer a medication is taken. To avoid a dangerous medication interaction, do not take any additional medications, even over-the-counter or herbal medications, for post-nasal drip without clearing them with your doctor and/or pharmacist.
What is postnasal drip?
Postnasal drip refers to mucus from the nose or sinuses draining into the throat. A person may complain of having nasal congestion and a sensation of mucus dripping from the back of their nose. When a healthcare provider does an examination, they may see mucus dripping into the throat and inflammation in the nose and throat.
Postnasal drip symptoms
As mentioned earlier, postnasal drip is one of the most common causes of cough, which can linger for weeks to months. Other common symptoms of postnasal drip include:
Is postnasal drip a symptom of COVID-19?
Postnasal drip is currently not listed as a specific COVID-19 symptom by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC) or the World Health Organization ( WHO ). However, people with postnasal drip can have a few of the same symptoms as people with COVID-19, such as:
What causes postnasal drip?
Mucus is produced by the lining of the nose, sinuses, and throat to keep these airways moist and clean. Postnasal drip is what happens when the nose and sinuses make more mucus than normal, and it runs down the back of your throat. This can happen for many reasons, including:
How to stop postnasal drip
A combination of preventative measures and medications can help put a stop to postnasal drip. Healthcare providers may recommend:
Steroid nasal sprays
Intranasal steroids, or steroid nasal sprays, are a good first option for treatment of nasal congestion on postnasal drip. They can decrease inflammation and drainage in the nasal passages and sinuses. They start working in a few hours, though it may still take a few days to get rid of your postnasal drip.
Oral antihistamines
Antihistamines reduce or block the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. They can reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages and improve postnasal drip. There are two main types of oral antihistamines:
How to get rid of post nasal drip?
Dust and Vacuum Regularly. This can help particularly if the cause of your post-nasal drip is allergies. Dusting and vacuuming regularly can help to manage allergies that are present year-round, like animal dander, dust mites, mold, and cockroaches. 5.
What does it mean when you have a dripping nose?
When too much mucus builds up, post-nasal drip occurs, causing the following symptoms: A sensation of liquid dripping from the back of your nose and into your throat. Cough that tends to worsen at night and/or when you're lying down. Sore throat. Tickling, scratchy, or itchy sensation at the back of your throat. Hoarse voice.
What is the purpose of neti pot?
Neti Pot. Nasal irrigation (a procedure that involves using a sterile salt-water rinse to clear the nasal passages) may help reduce post-nasal drip in people with chronic sinusitis and allergies , particularly with higher volumes of saline, such as is found with syringes, squeeze bottles, and neti pots. 6.
Why does my throat drip?
Under normal circumstances, the glands in your nose and throat produce mucus in order to moisten your nasal membranes and fight off infection. Post-nasal drip has many possible causes, such as the common cold, a sinus infection, or allergies.
How to get rid of mucus in throat?
Salt Water Gargle. Gargling with warm salt water may help to clear mucus from the back of the throat and soothe a sore throat. Similar to using saline to wash our sinuses, garg ling with salt water can help to moisturize our tissues with a liquid more like our body's natural saline.
What is a neti pot?
A neti pot is usually made of ceramic or plastic , and it resembles a flattened teapot. The sterile saline solution is placed inside the neti pot. Tilting your head to the side, place your head low enough that your sinuses are lower than your throat.
How to thin mucus?
An easy method to thin your mucus is to drink an adequate amount of fluids each day. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that women take in about 9 cups of fluid per day, and that men drink about 12.5 cups. By checking the color of your urine, it's easy to tell whether you're adequately hydrated.
What is the best nasal rinse for a post nasal drip?
Ayr Saline Nasal Rinse Kit. The Ayr Saline Nasal Rinse Kit is another great choice for people looking for an effective product to combat post nasal drip. Mostly, this product relies on saline, which draws out the mucus by attracting it with salt. Once the accumulated mucus has been pulled out of the posterior portion of the nose and throat, ...
How long does menthol rinse last?
This also works well to maintain results so that mucus accumulation is kept at a minimum for up to 6 hours.
Can a cold cause post nasal drip?
Post nasal drip is not a condition on its own, but merely a symptom that can develop as a result of different problems. The common cold, the flu, an allergic reaction, and even gastric reflux are all common causes of post nasal drip. Because of this, medicine used for sinus drainage doesn’t heal the problem, rather it reduces the symptom until whatever caused it is addressed.
Can you buy post nasal drip over the counter?
That’s why at the first sign of this problem, you should be ready with the best medicine for sinus drainage. While post nasal drip medicine can be purchased over the counter, having such a wide variety of options can make ...
Can a post nasal drip cause headaches?
A post nasal drip can be a very annoying and irritating problem. Aside from flooding the back of your nose and throat with thick mucus that’s hard to expectorate, it can also induce headaches due to clogged sinus pathways. If you’ve ever had a post nasal drip, you should already know how significantly it can limit your daily activities.
Is it good to use a post nasal spray?
Long Lasting Results. Using a post nasal drip product can be tedious, especially if you’re using a rinse. Even if you opted for a spray, you would want something that provides long lasting results. Because the mucus production in your nose can keep going while the underlying cause is still in your system, it’s possible to develop congestion again ...
Does Neilmed nasal rinse need warm water?
However, unlike other products, this particular formula does not need to be used with warm water. This is ideal for users who don’t find the sensation of warmth in their nose to be a pleasant experience, and also limits the number of steps for the rinse process.
What are the symptoms of post nasal drip?
What Are the Symptoms of Post-nasal Drip? Symptoms of post-nasal drip can include: Feeling of mucus drainage into the throat. Frequent swallowing. Throat clearing. Raspy or gurgling speech. Sore irritated throat. Feeling a lump in the throat. In children, thick or foul-smelling secretions from one side of the nose can mean ...
What is the best treatment for sinus infection?
Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, nasal spray, decongestants, and nasal saline irrigations. For chronic sinusitis, surgery to open the blocked sinuses may be required. Allergies are best managed by avoiding the causes.
How much mucus does the nose produce?
Glands in your nose and throat continually produce mucus, normally one to two quarts per day. Mucus moistens and cleans the nasal lining, moistens air, traps and clears what is inhaled, and helps fight infection.
What is a saline nasal spray?
Nonprescription saline nasal spray (Ocean®, Ayr®) is a natural way to moisten the nose. Related Conditions. Several other conditions may feel like post-nasal drip but are swallowing problems caused by a backup of solids or liquids in the throat. Conditions that may be related to post-nasal drip include: Sinus conditions.
What is it called when you feel mucus in your throat?
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor? Mucus is normally swallowed unconsciously, but when there is a feeling of the mucus gathering in the throat or dripping from the back of your nose, it is called post-nasal drip. Glands in your nose and throat continually produce mucus, normally one to two quarts per day.
Why do my sinuses turn yellow in winter?
If thin secretions become thick, and turn green or yellow, it is possible that a bacterial sinus infection is developing. css id:
What is the best treatment for reflux?
If the reflux does not get better, you should see your primary care provider, or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist.
What are the symptoms of post nasal drip?
Sinus infection ( sinusitis) Deviated septum. If you have post-nasal drip, you may also experience other frustrating symptoms such as a sore or scratchy throat and coughing. You might also have trouble swallowing or develop an ear or sinus infection.
What causes a nose to drip?
Post-nasal drip is an unpleasant symptom that feels as though mucus has accumulated in your throat or is dripping down from the back of your nose. It can be caused by a handful of issues, including the following: 1 A cold 2 Allergies 3 Changes in weather 4 Sinus infection ( sinusitis) 5 Deviated septum
What causes mucus drainage in the nose?
Environmental irritants – including smoke, chemicals, or perfumes. Changing weather – including temperature changes, cold weather, or dry air. Deviated septum – an abnormal placement of the wall that separates the two nostrils, which can cause issues with proper mucus drainage.
Where does mucus drip from?
When it’s produced in normal amounts, mucus drips from the nose into the throat, where it’s easily swallowed. It’s only when a trigger sets off increased production of mucus or causes it to become too thick that the symptom known as post-nasal drip can emerge in a recognizable way. Several issues can trigger an excess production ...
What is the common cold?
Common cold – a viral infection of the nose and throat. Flu – a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Allergies – an abnormal immune system reaction to a foreign substance such as dust, pollen, or mildew; in response, the body produces histamines that cause symptoms such as a runny nose. Environmental irritants – including smoke, ...
Can spicy foods cause post nasal drip?
Spicy foods – consuming spicy foods can trigger the production of excess mucus. Pregnancy – elevated estrogen levels can cause post-nasal drip. Certain medications – including birth control pills and the long-term use of antihistamines and decongestants.
Can you get mucus drip in your throat?
A mucus drip in the throat is not something that you have to suffer with. Numerous effective treatments are available to help manage your symptoms or stop post-nasal drip once and for all. If you’re dealing with post-nasal drip and are looking for treatment in Houston, Dr. Yeung is here to help.
What exactly is post-nasal drip?
Before we get to treatments for post-nasal drip, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what that phrase even means.
What are the symptoms of post-nasal drip?
Wondering what post-nasal drip feels like? You’ll know this issue is what you’re facing when you experience these symptoms:
So, what causes post-nasal drip?
As we mentioned earlier, post-nasal drip is very common, and that’s because it’s a symptom of a wide variety of conditions. Here are some of the most common causes of post-nasal drip:
How do you treat post-nasal drip?
While you might be tempted to reach for a decongestant when you hear “too much mucus,” you’ll get better results fighting post-nasal drip by tackling the root cause rather than the symptom itself. As you can tell by now, post-nasal drip has a wide variety of potential causes.
What causes post nasal drip?
© Bilanol - Getty Images A cold, allergies, or acid reflux can cause post-nasal drip.
How long does a post nasal drip last?
For colds, you’re usually looking at anywhere from seven to 10 days, he says.
What is the best medicine for allergies?
If allergies are the issue, nasal steroids like Flonase or Nasacort and long-acting antihistamines like Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, or Xyzal can help, Dr. Parikh says. If you think reflux may be an issue, consider trying OTC stomach acid reducers, like TUMS or Pepcid, when heartburn flares up.
Where is the post nasal drip located?
What is post-nasal drip? Post-nasal drip starts in your sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located under the bony base of the cheeks, behind your forehead and eyebrows, on both sides of your nose bridge, and behind your nose directly in front of your brain, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).
What to do if you have seasonal allergies?
So, if it’s seasonal allergies, visit an allergist and figure out what ’s causing your symptoms and the best course of treatment. If you suspect you have a sinus infection, talk to your doctor to ensure a proper diagnosis.
What is the best way to treat post nasal drip?
For centuries, people have treated postnasal drip with all kinds of home remedies. Probably the best known and most loved is hot chicken soup. While it won’t cure you, hot soup, or any hot liquid might give you some temporary relief and comfort. It works because the steam from the hot liquid opens up your stuffy nose and throat.
How to get rid of a swollen sinus?
Take a medication such as guaifenesin ( Mucinex ). Use saline nasal sprays or irrigation , like a neti pot, to flush mucus, bacteria, allergens, and other irritating things out of the sinuses. Turn on a vaporizer or humidifier to increase the moisture in the air.
What antihistamines thicken mucus?
Newer antihistamines like loratadine ( Claritin, Alavert ), fexofenadine ( Allegra ), cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine ( Xyzal ), and desloratadine ( Clarinex ), may be better options and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Why does my throat hurt at night?
Postnasal drip makes you feel like you constantly want to clear your throat. It also can trigger a cough, which often gets worse at night. In fact, postnasal drip is one of the most common causes of a cough that just won’t go away. Too much mucus may also make you feel hoarse and give you a sore, scratchy throat.
What does it mean when your nose is runny?
When your body produces more mucus than usual or it’s thicker than normal, it becomes more noticeable. The excess can come out of the nostrils -- that’s a runny nose. When the mucus runs down the back of your nose to your throat, it's called postnasal drip.
How to get rid of mucus in throat?
A hot, steamy shower might help for the same reason. You can also try propping up your pillows at night so that the mucus doesn't pool or collect in the back of your throat. If you have allergies, here are some other ways to reduce your triggers: Cover your mattresses and pillowcases with dust mite proof covers.
What is it called when you get a nose stuck in your nose?
Allergies , also called allergic postnasal drip. Sinus infection or sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinuses. Object stuck in the nose (most common in children) Pregnancy. Certain medications, including some for birth control and blood pressure.

What About Prescription Treatments?
- If these approaches aren't effective, prescription treatments may be the next best steps, including: 1. A nasal steroid spray (such as beclomethasone/Beconase or triamcinolone/Nasacort) 2. Ipratropium (Atrovent) nasal spray which inhibits secretions (such as mucus) Other treatments …
What About Chicken Soup?
- If you've been told that chicken soup helps with post-nasal drip (or other symptoms of a cold or flu), it's true! But it doesn't actually have to be chicken soup - any hot liquid can help thin the mucus and help you maintain hydration.
When Should I Call A Doctor?
- In most cases, post-nasal drip is annoying but not dangerous. However, you should contact your doctor if you have: 1. Unexplained fever 2. Bloody mucus 3. Wheezing or shortness of breath 4. Foul smelling drainage 5. Persistent symptoms despite treatment
The Bad News/Good News About Post-Nasal Drip
- Post-nasal drip is among the most common causes of persistent cough, hoarseness, sore throat and other annoying symptoms. It can be caused by a number of conditions and may linger for weeks or months. That's the bad news. The good news is that most of the causes can be quickly identified and most will improve with treatment. Robert H. Shmerling, MD, is associate professo…
Causes
Symptoms
- Post-nasal drip occurs when abnormally thin or thick mucous makes us aware of it running down the back of our throats. It is the sensation of having a \"drip\" in the back of the throat, which can also be accompanied by feeling the need to clear your throat. You likely will also suffer from a chronic cough.
Treatment
- Post-nasal drip treatment is dependent on the root cause of the condition. This article will cover different types of treatments for post-nasal drip including things that you can do at home. When treating post-nasal drip at home you may need to vary your treatment slightly depending on whether the secretions are thick or thin. Try the tips below based upon the cause of your sympto…
Clinical significance
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, can cause post-nasal drip. GERD is a condition where acid from the stomach is regurgitated back into the esophagus. GERD is worse at night because gravity makes it easier for acid to \"backwash\" into the esophagus and back of the throat.
Prognosis
- The only cure for post-nasal drip that results as a side effect of a medication, such as birth control or blood pressure medications, is to stop taking the medicine. Note: DO NOT stop taking a medication without discussing with your doctor. However, you should be aware that many side effects subside the longer a medication is taken.
Prevention
- To avoid a dangerous medication interaction, do not take any additional medications, even over-the-counter or herbal medications, for post-nasal drip without clearing them with your doctor and/or pharmacist. Humidifiers, saline mist, and neti pots can be used. Avoid dairy if mucus is thick, and avoid spicy foods if mucus is thin. Always drink plenty of water. Changes in your body'…