Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for post nasal drip and cough

by Eloisa Deckow Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.Jun 22, 2020

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 is an over the counter remedy post nasal drip?

To treat post-nasal drip caused by GERD at home:

  • Try an over-the-counter antacid, such as Tums or Prilosec (omeprazole).
  • Don't eat before bedtime.
  • Avoid trigger foods, such as chocolate, fizzy drinks, or spicy foods.
  • Sleep in an elevated position instead of lying flat.

What is remedy for chronic coughing from post nasal drip?

Wipe Out Allergens

  • Dander causes irritation that leads to post nasal drip. ...
  • Unused pillows and mattresses should be covered and kept clean. ...
  • Get rid of your plants inside the house, both non-flowering or flowering. ...
  • 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.

What is the best OTC medication for post nasal drip?

Top 3 Best Medicine for Post Nasal Drip Reviews

  1. Alkalol Company Mucus Solvent and Cleaner The best medicine for post nasal drip according to consumers is Alkalol Company Mucus Solvent and Cleaner. ...
  2. 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. ...
  3. Neilmed Sinus Rinse Starter Kit

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What will stop drainage in back of throat and coughing?

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's the best medicine for nasal drip?

If it's caused by allergies, an allergy medication like Claritin can help dry out the mucus that causes congestion, coughing, and a sore throat. Other medications like nasal sprays, Mucinex, and Sudafed might be used if postnasal drip is being caused by a cold or the flu.

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.

How do I permanently get rid of post nasal drip?

In the cases of a deviated septum, corrective surgery may be the only way to permanently treat postnasal drip. This surgery (called a septoplasty) tightens and straightens the nasal septum. Some parts of the nasal septum may need to be removed to do this.

How do you get rid of chronic post nasal drip?

Postnasal drip home remediesProp up your head. Elevate your head to let gravity drain mucus from your nasal passages. ... Drink fluids, especially hot fluids. Drink a lot of fluids to thin out mucus. ... Gargle saltwater. ... Inhale steam. ... Use a humidifier. ... Nasal rinse. ... Avoid alcohol and cigarette smoke. ... GERD home remedies.

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?

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.

What foods make post-nasal drip worse?

Symptoms of GERD, including post-nasal drip and sore throat, can be drastically reduced by avoiding reflux-aggravating foods. That means anything fried and anything high in fat, as well as chocolate, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, and peppermint.

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.

What Is Post Nasal Drip?

But even if you swallow it without noticing it, sometimes you would feel that there is something down at the back of your throat or something that’s draining from the back of your nose. This is called post nasal drip.

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.

What is the best medicine to remove mucus?

Use these medications to remove excess and thick mucus. For example, guaifenesin (Mucinex) is offered over the counter in the form of tablet or syrup. It makes the mucus thinner for you to easily expel it out.

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.

Does coughing help with post nasal drip?

Sometimes the cough becomes a chronic one and usually worsens at night when you lie down. Fortunately, in case of post nasal drip, coughs are usually helpful. These productive coughs help to produce mucus and help to drain or clear the throat and lungs. As a matter of fact, it has been reported that post nasal drip is one ...

What is the best treatment for post nasal drip?

Medicated nasal sprays are another good option for cough caused by post-nasal drip. Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and ipratropium (Atrovent) work to reduce runny nose and cough. Azelastine is an antihistamine that may cause sleepiness, but when it’s taken with intranasal steroids, it works very well for non-allergic post-nasal drip. In fact, this is the first-choice treatment for non-allergic post-nasal drip. Taken together, azelastine plus an intranasal steroid is more effective than either alone.

What antihistamines are good for post nasal drip?

First-generation antihistamines like clemastine (Tavist) and Dimetapp are preferred for post-nasal drip that isn’t caused by allergies. These are known to be sedating and may make you sleepy, but they are better at reducing mucus production compared to the newer antihistamines. Just take care: At night, these drugs may be fine, but during the day, they can make it hard to function and be productive.

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. A combination of symptoms and a physical examination can help your healthcare provider diagnose postnasal drip.

How long does it take for cough to improve after nasal drip?

If your cough does not improve after 1 to 2 weeks of using the therapies listed below, this probably means that post-nasal drip is not the cause of your cough. You should make arrangements to see your provider for further advice.

What is the best medicine for a runny nose?

Your go-to choice for a stuffy, runny nose might be an antihistamine pill like lo ratadine (Claritin) or fexofenadine (Allegra), but in reality, intranasal steroid sprays are better than these medications for cough due to post-nasal drip. Intranasal steroids should be your first option for treatment. They start working in a few hours, though it may still take a few days to get rid of your cough.

Is it safe to use saline solution for post nasal drip?

Saline solution is water that contains sodium chloride (or salt). It’s very similar to what’s in human blood, sweat, and tears. Not only does it work; it is also safe. You can make your own solution or buy a pre-prepared kit at the pharmacy.

Can you use nasal irrigation twice a day?

You can do it when needed for symptoms, or daily, or even twice a day — depending on your personal circumstances. Nasal irrigation is especially helpful to prepare the nose for medicated nasal sprays, such as steroid nasal sprays: Research studies suggest that it can make steroid nasal sprays work better for children.

What Is Post-Nasal Drip?

Our bodies are constantly producing mucus, and not just in our airways. It's found in the digestive tract and other organs where glands produce mucin . Mucin is the substance that, along with water, makes up our mucus. In the airway, it traps germs and other debris to keep it out of the lungs.

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 avoid taking 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.

How long can you use decongestants?

Decongestants, such as topical pseudoephedrine, can be used, but don't use topical preparations for more than three days in a row to avoid rebound congestion.

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.

Why is mucus important?

Our bodies are constantly producing mucus, which is beneficial because it traps germs and other debris that might cause us harm. We continually have mucus draining down the back of our throats, but most of the time we aren't aware of it.

How to help a child with post nasal drip?

There are a couple of ways you can approach this method of treatment. One method is to run a hot shower and allow your child to sit in the steam for a while. The steam can help soothe an irritated throat and irritated airways, thus helping to relieve the nagging cough that can be caused by postnasal drip. When your child is having a coughing fit, the shower method is a great option.

What is the best medicine for a cough?

Tea with lemon and honey can make a great remedy for a pesky cough, and may also help with relentless coughing fits. Warm liquids help soothe the throat and break up mucus, and honey offers a coating for the throat that can work against irritation.

Why does my throat drip down my throat?

Postnasal drip happens when your body produces too much mucus, like as a response to illness or infection, and the excess mucus drips down the back of your throat instead of being flushed out through the nose.

How to help a child with a swollen nose?

Using saline solution or drops to help flush out your child’s nasal passages may help thin and loosen the mucus in their nose, thus reducing symptoms.

Can post nasal drip cause coughing?

When postnasal drip causes a cough, the coughing can be constant and your kiddo’s symptoms may leave them in a pretty dismal state of mind. Luckily, postnasal drip, and all of its accompanying symptoms, can be pretty easily treated right at home.

Is post nasal drip serious?

Postnasal drip will almost always be nothing to worry about, but it might be easy to mistake something more serious for postnasal drip… and this is when problems happen.

Does Genexa help with cough?

Additionally, Genexa’s Kid’s Honey Cough Syrup is a helpful remedy that soothes coughs associated with dry throat and irritation while supporting immunity.

How to get rid of post nasal drip?

Inhale steam. Steam inhalation can ease postnasal drip by thinning mucus. The steam will also moisten your nose and throat, helping mucus pass through. You can inhale steam during a hot shower or bath. Another option is to try steam inhalation therapy: Pour hot water into a large heat-safe (like stainless-steel) bowl.

What oils help with post nasal drip?

Some oils, like eucalyptus and peppermint, may offer relief from postnasal drip. According to a 2020 review, eucalyptus oil contains a compound called 1,8-cineole. This compound can reduce mucus by controlling genes involved in mucus production. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may soothe irritation.

How to use essential oils for post nasal drip?

However, its cooling effect can help your nasal passages feel more open. The best way to use essential oils for postnasal drip is through inhalation. This is a form of aromatherapy. You can: breathe in the essential oil directly from the bottle. add a few drops to a tissue or cotton ball, then inhale.

What is the best way to thin mucus from nose?

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.

What is nasal rinse?

A nasal rinse can loosen thick or excess mucus. It’s also known as a sinus rinse, sinus flush, or nasal irrigation.

What to do if GERD is interfering with your quality of life?

See a doctor if GERD is interfering with your quality of life.

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.

What Causes Postnasal Drip?

The excess mucus that triggers it has many possible causes, including:

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 much mucus does the nose produce?

Every day, glands in the linings of your nose, throat, airways, stomach, and intestinal tract produce mucus. Your nose alone makes about a quart of it each day. Mucus is a thick, wet substance that moistens these areas and helps trap and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses before they cause infection.

Why does my throat feel like it's getting a post nasal drip?

Sometimes the problem is not that you're producing too much mucus, but that it's not being cleared away. Swallowing problems can cause a buildup of liquids in the throat, which can feel like postnasal drip. These problems can sometimes occur with age, a blockage, or conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.

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Now What?

What About Chicken Soup?

Self-treatment: Self- care steps that may be helpful in some less- serious cases:
  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated
  • Stay properly hydrated
  • Drink warm fluids such as tea, soup
  • Rinse your sinuses
See a doctor if you notice:
  • 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

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Now that you have an official diagnosis, what can you do for it? There are a number of treatment options, including home remedies and over-the-counter medications: 1. A humidifier or steam inhalation (as during a hot shower) 2. Keeping well-hydrated (to keep the mucus thinner) 3. Sleep on propped up pillows, to keep the …
See more on health.harvard.edu

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.
See more on health.harvard.edu

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
See more on health.harvard.edu

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
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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.
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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…
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