
What is the best medicine to stop post nasal drip?
- diphenhydramine, as in Benadryl
- chlorpheniramine, as in Chlor-Trimeton
- loratadine, as in Claritin or Alavert
- fexofenadine (Allegra)
- cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- levocetirizine (Xyzal)
- desloratadine (Clarinex)
What foods are good for post nasal drip?
The following home remedies are most helpful if you have thick mucus:
- Avoid dairy products. ...
- Drink plenty of water because staying hydrated can thin the thickened mucus. ...
- Use a humidifier next to your bed at night or take hot, steamy showers. ...
- Try an over-the-counter saline nasal spray to loosen thick mucus and clear the debris from inside your nose. ...
What meds can you take for post nasal drip?
Treating Post-Nasal Drip Caused by Infections
- Decongestants, including pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and oxymetazoline, may be helpful. ...
- Drink as much water or other fluids as possible.
- Vapor rubs or other products containing menthol, including cough drops, can be helpful, but only use them as prescribed. ...
- Humidifiers and nasal saline mists can thin mucus.
How do you get rid of post nasal drip fast?
Post Nasal Drip Remedies
- Gargle with salt water. Gargling with salt water can give you relief from throat irritation. ...
- Steam inhalation. Use steam treatments, with or without essential oils, to control excess mucus production that causes post-nasal drip, cough and throat irritation.
- Nasal Irrigation. ...
- Garlic home remedy for post nasal drip. ...
What is the best treatment for post nasal syringe?
What is the best treatment for a swollen nose?
What is the best way to keep mucus from collecting in your throat?
What is the name of the drug that constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages?
How to get rid of mucus in throat?
Why does my nose get sore?
Does chicken soup help with post nasal drip?
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How do you get rid of post nasal drip fast?
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 is the best medicine for 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.
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 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. "I recommend taking this in the morning only.
How do I get rid of mucus in the back of my throat?
Self-care stepsGargle with warm salt water. This home remedy can help clear mucus from the back of your throat and may help kill germs.Humidify the air. ... Stay hydrated. ... Elevate your head. ... Avoid decongestants. ... Avoid irritants, fragrances, chemicals, and pollution. ... If you smoke, try to stop.
What happens if post nasal drip is left untreated?
Most cases of post-nasal drip go away with time, but long-lasting, untreated post-nasal drip and excess mucus can create a breeding ground for germs, which in turn can lead to additional health complications, including sinus infections and ear infections.
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.
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.
What does it mean if you have constant post-nasal drip?
Postnasal drip refers to excess mucus that someone may feel in the back of the nose and throat, causing a constant need to clear the throat. It may lead to symptoms, such as a sore throat and trouble swallowing. Environmental triggers, such as allergies, cold weather, or dry air, may cause postnasal drip.
Which antihistamine is best for post nasal drip?
Second-generation antihistamines are preferred for allergic postnasal drip because first-generation antihistamines can have more side effects and actually thicken mucus instead of thinning it....Oral antihistaminesLoratadine (Claritin)Fexofenadine (Allegra)Cetirizine (Zyrtec)Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
How do I know if its sinus or Covid?
COVID-19 vs. For instance, a runny nose can be a symptom of COVID-19. However, there are some symptoms unique to COVID-19. Gastrointestinal issues, fever, body aches and a new loss of taste or smell are not typical of allergies or a sinus infection.
Does Covid cause sinus drainage?
Common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection may include: Body aches. Congestion or runny nose.
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Home Remedies for Postnasal Drip: What Works, What Doesn’t
It’s possible to naturally reduce postnasal drip at home. Here’s what you can do: Prop up your head. Elevate your head to let gravity drain mucus from your nasal passages.
How to Stop Post-Nasal Drip - Ear & Sinus Institute
Your nose is almost constantly producing mucus. In fact, it makes approximately a quart of it each day. Mucus performs necessary functions including trapping bacteria and moistening the airways, but overproduction can lead to some annoying side effects. Most of…
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.
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.
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.
Can you use post nasal drip as a substitute for standard care?
It should be noted that there is a lack of research on their effects, and none of these remedies should be used as a substitute for standard care.
Can chicken soup help with respiratory issues?
Eat Chicken Soup. Chicken soup is an old home remedy for many kinds of respiratory issues. Researchers have shown that chicken soup may have some modest anti-inflammatory effects during colds, but they note that the real benefits of chicken soup may have more to do with the psychosocial support that we receive when someone lovingly makes soup ...
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 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 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, ...
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 ...
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.
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 to do if you have a post nasal drip?
It’s also important to rest, stay hydrated, and eat healthy to help you body fight the infection.
How to get rid of mucus in your nose?
Prop up your head. Elevate your head to let gravity drain mucus from your nasal passages. Avoid lying down while reading or watching television. At night, keep your head slightly elevated. You can do this by propping your pillow against your headboard or stacking two pillows.
How to thin mucus in nasal cavity?
Drink fluids, especially hot fluids. Drink a lot of fluids to thin out mucus. The thinner the mucus, the easier it can pass through your nasal cavities. Drinking fluids will also moisturize your nasal lining. Hot drinks, like tea or broth, are the best choice. The warmth of these beverages will thin your mucus.
Why does my throat feel like it's dripping?
If you feel like mucus is dripping into your throat from your nose, you have postnasal drip. You may also feel like mucus is collecting in your throat. This is caused by thickening or overproduction of mucus. It can occur due to several reasons, including: allergies. asthma. common cold.
How to stop GERD symptoms?
Home remedies for decreasing GERD symptoms include: avoiding spicy foods. limiting caffeine use. losing weight. propping up your head when you lie down in bed. smoking cessation. See a doctor if GERD is interfering with your quality of life.
How to make a steam inhaler?
add a few drops to a tissue or cotton ball, then inhale. add the essential oil to a diffuser. add several drops of diluted essential oil to a hot shower or bath. add several drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water for steam inhalation.
Does apple cider vinegar help with post nasal drip?
According to anecdotal evidence, apple cider vinegar can help postnasal drip. Some people breathe in apple cider vinegar by sniffing the bottle. Others drink diluted apple cider vinegar in tea or warm water. The idea is that the strong odor and taste of apple cider vinegar can loosen mucus.
What is the best treatment for post nasal drip?
For instance, corticosteroid helps treat post nasal drip caused by non-allergic rhinitis; and anti-drip nasal sprays or anticholinergic are medications usually prescribed for asthmatic patients. This nasal spray can be used in asthma inhalers to help relieve coughs caused by post nasal drip.
How to treat post nasal drip?
1. Wipe Out Allergens 1 Dander causes irritation that leads to post nasal drip. Bathe your pets regularly to get rid of it. Don’t wait until post nasal drip and the cough is severe. 2 Unused pillows and mattresses should be covered and kept clean. Your pillows and beddings must be changed regularly to avoid the accumulation of dust. 3 Get rid of your plants inside the house, both non-flowering or flowering. Plants can cause allergic reactions such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, etc. For example, if you are allergic to pollens, you will certainly suffer allergy attack when encountering them. To avoid this, keep away from grass, plants and trees. 4 Use a humidifier to moisten your house to help remove allergens out of the air and prevent or relieve symptoms of post nasal drip like cough.
Why do we need mucus?
Mucus helps clean nasal tissues, fight body infection, trap harmful bacteria and humidify the air you breathe. The mucus is produced continually by the glands in the nose and throat, although you do not notice it. But even if you swallow it without noticing it, sometimes you would feel that there is something down at the back ...
How to get rid of mucus in throat without a prescription?
You can get saline solution and saline kits in any drugstores without prescription. Use it to rinse your nasal cavity as this is a good way to remove the excess mucus if simple snorting won’t work. Nasal irrigation with Neti pot is also a good way to remove excess mucus down your throat.
How to get rid of a cough in a dog?
Bathe your pets regularly to get rid of it. Don’t wait until post nasal drip and the cough is severe. Unused pillows and mattresses should be covered and kept clean. Your pillows and beddings must be changed regularly to avoid the accumulation of dust. Get rid of your plants inside the house, both non-flowering or flowering.
How long can you leave decongestant in raw?
But do not use decongestant for more than 3 days in a raw. Always use decongestant as recommended; however, if you don’t see any relief, you need to stop this medication. Mucus-thinning medications. Use these medications to remove excess and thick mucus.
How to avoid mucus in nose?
You can avoid the accumulation of mucus by simply blowing your nose and clean it with a clean tissue. If it cannot be cleared through blowing, try to sniff and spit it out quickly. This also prevents halitosis and dry mouth.
What is the best treatment for post nasal syringe?
If these approaches aren't effective, prescription treatments may be the next best steps, including: A nasal steroid spray (such as beclomethasone/Beconase or triamcinolone/Nasacort) Ipratropium (Atrovent) nasal spray which inhibits secretions (such as mucus) Other treatments depend on the cause of the post-nasal drip.
What is the best treatment for a swollen nose?
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)
What is the best way to keep mucus from collecting in your throat?
Sleep on propped up pillows, to keep the mucus from collecting at the back of your throat. An oral decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine (as in Sudafed) or phenylephrine (as in Sudafed PE or Neo-Synephrine) A nasal decongestant such as oxymetazoline (contained in Afrin) which constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages;
What is the name of the drug that constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages?
desloratadine (Clarinex) A nasal decongestant such as oxymetazoline (contained in Afrin) which constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages; this leads to less secretions. Such medications should only be taken for a day or two; longer-term use can cause more harm than good)
How to get rid of mucus in throat?
There are a number of treatment options, including home remedies and over-the-counter medications: A humidifier or steam inhalation (as during a hot shower) Keeping well-hydrated (to keep the mucus thinner) Sleep on propped up pillows, to keep the mucus from collecting at the back of your throat. Nasal irrigation (available over-the-counter)
Why does my nose get sore?
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 du st). Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications.
Does chicken soup help with post nasal drip?
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.

Now What?
What About Chicken Soup?
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated
- Stay properly hydrated
- Drink warm fluids such as tea, soup
- Rinse your sinuses
- Postnasal drip is accompanied by fever
- Producing green, yellow or bloody mucus
- Producing mucus that has a strong odor
See a doctor immediately if you notice:
- Wheezing, losing breath and (or) fainting
When Should I Call A Doctor?
The Bad News/Good News About Post-Nasal Drip
Causes
- 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.
Symptoms
- 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
Treatment
- 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. Image: Cecilie_Arcurs/Getty Images
Clinical significance
Prognosis
- 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.
Prevention
- 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…