what is the best treatment for post nasal drip cough

What is the best medicine to stop post nasal drip?

 · 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.

What is an over the counter remedy post nasal drip?

 · 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 remedy for chronic coughing from post nasal drip?

 · 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. 2. Drink Enough Water. Hydration is one of the best solutions to avoid symptoms of post nasal drip (cough for example). So drink lots of clear water, about 8-9 glasses per day to stay hydrated.

What is the best OTC medication for post nasal drip?

 · Use a saline nasal spray. Saline just means saltwater. Nasal sprays send a mist of saline water directly up and into your nose. Saline nasal sprays and nasal irrigation devices flush out excess mucus, allergens and irritating substances from your nasal passages and throat. When all of these things get flushed out of your body, your cough will stop.

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 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.

What is the best medication to dry up 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.

How long does a post-nasal drip cough last?

How long can post-nasal drip last? Efforts to treat post-nasal drip should be taken early on. However, symptoms of severe post-nasal drip may linger for weeks or months. If early treatments fail or symptoms increase after 10 days, you may need to visit your doctor.

How do I get rid of post-nasal drip permanently?

Effective treatment for chronic post-nasal dripAvoid triggers, such as pollen, dust, dust mites, animal dander, and environmental triggers.Use air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens.Avoid irritants that don't cause post-nasal drip, but which aggravate it such as cigarette smoke and car exhaust.More items...

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.

Which Mucinex is best for post-nasal drip and cough?

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).

Which antihistamine is best for post-nasal drip?

Antihistamines for Treating Nasal AllergiesOther symptoms, including post-nasal drip, cough, and nasal congestion may also be caused by histamine,8 and therefore can be treated by antihistamines.The only truly non-sedating antihistamine currently available is Allegra.More items...•

Can postnasal drip cause coughing?

Sinus problems and allergies, along with upper respiratory infections, produce post-nasal drip. This drip is sometimes feels like “a tickle in the back of the throat,” and drainage can lead to chronic cough. This “tickle” happens when the amount of draining mucus is larger than usual.

What is the main cause of post nasal drip?

Postnasal drip is usually due to certain changes in the environment or the body. One of the most common causes of postnasal drip is allergies. Seasonal allergies due to plants releasing their pollen may cause trigger postnasal drip, as the body produces extra mucus to try and eliminate the pollen spores.

Does post nasal drip go into lungs?

These results strongly suggest that entrance of postnasal drip into the trachea and the lungs may be owing to host conditions, such as whether the host is asleep or awake, and thicker viscous postnasal drip may easily enter the respiratory organs.

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.

Does nasal irrigation work?

There are saline nasal sprays, too — and they also work. They can be more convenient for many people, but nasal irrigation actually works better than saline nasal sprays.

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.

Can you take pseudoephedrine with Sudafed?

Pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed, is a common choice here for a decongestant, a medication that helps relieve the sinuses from stuffiness, particularly for post-nasal drip due to allergies. You can either get pseudoephedrine alone or mixed in a medication that also contains an antihistamine, like in loratadine/pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D) or fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D). A caution here: Pseudoephedrine can cause jitteriness, increased blood pressure, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), and headache.

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.

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.

What to do if your child doesn't respond to treatment?

If your child’s symptoms do not respond to treatment, whether it be over-the-counter medicine or prescription medication, it is important to consult a doctor, as this is a major indication that something more serious is going on and your child may need a new treatment plan.

Does it hurt to talk to a pediatrician about a child's symptoms?

Even if these more concerning symptoms do not appear, it still doesn’t hurt to contact your pediatrician and talk about your kiddo’s symptoms. Doctors can make great recommendations when it comes to managing symptoms at home, and they can also offer guidance as to whether or not it would be helpful for your child to be brought in for an exam. There is no shame in playing it safe when your child is not feeling quite right, and a doctor can put any questions or concerns to rest.

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.

Is Genexa a clean brand?

Genexa is the first clean medicine brand, meaning that they make medicine with the active ingredients you need and without the artificial inactive ingredients you don’t need. They are working hard to revolutionize the world of medicine one product at a time, and are committed to making real, clean medicine that you can trust. Any inactive ingredients that you find in Genexa’s products are non-GMO, gluten-free, and certified vegan so that you can rest assured that you are giving your kids safe and effective medicine without the health risks posed by artificial ingredients. Genexa was founded by two dads who know what it is like to constantly be on the hunt for the best of the best when it comes to your child’s health and wellbeing, and this is why they are determined to change commercially available medicine for the better.

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.

Is sleep a part of recovery?

Sleep, and rest in general, is also a critical part of recovery, so this method may also be great in terms of helping your child sleep through the night while they are under the weather.

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.

What is post nasal drip?

What Is 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.

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 ...

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.

Can you use decongestant for more than 3 days?

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. Newer nasal sprays, such as mometasone, which claim to not cause rebound congestion, are available by prescription and can be used on a longer-term basis than traditional decongestants.

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.

Can you take saline mists during pregnancy?

7  If you are pregnant, do not take any medication to treat post-nasal drip without the approval of your physician. Humidifiers, saline mists and neti pots can be used safely during pregnancy. If your fluctuating hormone levels are caused by another ...

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 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 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 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.

How to know if you are drinking enough water?

One good way to determine if you are drinking enough water is through the color of your urine.

Can plants cause allergies?

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.

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 treat post nasal drip?

Combat allergies with over-the-counter antihistamines. If your post nasal drip is caused by allergies, as most post nasal drips are, you should take antihistamines to reduce your allergy symptoms. Your body produces histamine when it thinks your body is being attacked by something.

How to stop coughing from nose?

Luckily, there are natural remedies to help you get rid of this frustrating condition. Mix a tablespoon of regular salt in a glass of warm water and swish some of it around in your mouth or gargle it so it reaches the back of your throat. Spit the mixture out and repeat the process a few times to help dislodge the mucus. You can also inhale steam to soften dried mucus, making it easier to breathe. Take a hot shower or cover your head with a towel and put it over a bowl of boiled water to create your own steam inhaler. Another way to stop your cough is to drink ginger tea, take ginger supplements, or add raw ginger to your meals since this herb is a natural anti-inflammatory. To learn the best way to sleep when you have a postnasal drip and cough, keep reading!

What is the best medicine for mucus thinning?

Guaifenesin, which also referred to as glyceryl guaiacolate, is one of the most common mucus-thinning medications available. ...

How to get rid of coughing when sleeping?

Elevate your head and shoulders with a pillow when sleeping at night. When you sleep, mucus has a tendency to accumulate in the back of your throat, which can lead to a cough. When you elevate your head by propping it up with a pillow, the mucus drains out of your throat more easily.

How to stop coughing from cigarette smoke?

When the membrane becomes irritated, it produces more mucus, which in turn can cause a cough. To stop or avoid a chronic cough, quit smoking .

How to get rid of mucus in back of throat?

Drinking plenty of water each day can help to loosen up the mucus in the back of your throat. Water also helps to thin out the mucus and helps your body to flush it away. Drinking plenty of water also keeps your throat moist; when your throat becomes dry, it is more likely to become irritated and make you cough.

How to fight a cold naturally?

To consume more garlic: Eat two to four raw garlic cloves a day.

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.

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.

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.

Can alcohol cause post nasal drip?

This is especially important if your postnasal drip is due to GERD, as alcohol can worsen your symptoms. You should also avoid cigarette smoke, including secondhand smoke. Cigarette smoke can increase mucus secretion and irritate your nose and throat.

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.

Does salt water help with sore throat?

Gargling saltwater will loosen up mucus. It’s also helpful for soothing a sore throat.

How to keep your head elevated at night?

At night, keep your head slightly elevated. You can do this by propping your pillow against your headboard or stacking two pillows. Avoid placing your head too high, though, as it can cause neck and shoulder pain.

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.

What does post nasal drip feel like?

Postnasal drip makes you feel like you constantly want to clear your throat.

Can you take Benadryl for post nasal drip?

They can also be effective, along with steroid nasal sprays, for postnasal drip caused by allergies. The older, over-the-counter antihistamines, including diphenhydramine ( Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), might not be the best choices for postnasal drip. When they dry out mucus, they can actually thicken it.

Can you get sinus infection from a clogged sinus?

You could also get a sinus infection if those passages are clogged.

Can mucus cause a sore throat?

Too much mucus may also make you feel hoarse and give you a sore, scratchy throat. If the mucus plugs up your Eustachian tube, which connects your throat to your middle ear, you could get a painful ear infection. You could also get a sinus infection if those passages are clogged. Treatments.

Why does my throat feel like it's dripping?

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. Postnasal drip makes you feel like you constantly want to clear your throat.

Can spicy foods cause mucus?

Certain foods (for example, spicy foods may trigger mucus flow) Fumes from chemicals, perfumes, cleaning products, smoke, or other irritants. Sometimes the problem is not that you're producing too much mucus, but that it's not being cleared away.

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, ...

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 menthol help with congestion?

While it does offer effective and instant relief against mucus and congestion, the formula isn’t quite as powerful as the first name on the list. Without the menthol property, relief doesn’t last quite as long, requiring users to repeat the process when mucus accumulates hours later.

Can you use rinse on the go?

Rinse can be used in much larger amounts, allowing you to use more of the formula depending on your preference. What’s more, they offer a cold sensation that works to soothe irritated tissues in the nasal cavity. The only issue with drops is that they can be difficult to use on the go, especially because it requires several steps for usage.

Is nasal rinse the same as spray?

Rinse vs Spray. Nasal rinse products can be administered in two major ways – either as rinse or as a spray. While they both achieve the same effect, there are minor differences that could determine which you will prefer to use.

Does menthol help with post nasal drip?

Although some people don’t find the strong menthol scent very pleasurable, there is no denying that this product gets the job done effectively. Therefore, if you want a rinse that can offer you 24-hour relief against post nasal drip, this should be your first pick.

Can you use a post nasal drip for a rinse?

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 after a few hours. Be sure to choose a product that offers long lasting results to prevent having to repeat usage.

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Can you use essential oils on pets?

Despite the popularity of essential oils, you should avoid using these substances around infants, young children, or pets or if you have an underlying lung condition that could be aggravated by inhaling these oils. 17 Additional ly, never ingest essential oils.

What foods help you feel better?

Eat spicy foods, including the chili peppers used in Thai or Indian food and Japanese horseradish, or wasabi, because they are expectorants. 13 The spiciness encourages your body to expel mucus and is also known to lift your mood.

How often should I use a neti pot?

12 Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, use a neti pot just once per week when you're not experiencing any infections or symptoms. Be sure to use a saline rinse, not just plain water. Avoid using a neti pot regularly if you suspect a sinus infection or are prone to developing sinus infections.

How to get rid of mucus in throat?

Use a humidifier next to your bed at night or take hot, steamy showers. To loosen the thick mucus, breathe warm, moist air. 10  A cool mist humidifier (versus warm mist) is helpful if you have inflammation in your throat or nasal passageways.

Does dairy make mucus thicker?

Avoid dairy products. While dairy doesn't cause your body to make mucus, it may make it thicker. 9

How long does a post nasal drip last?

5  However, you should see a doctor if: Your post-nasal drip lasts longer than a few weeks. 6 . You have difficulty swallowing. You feel like you're choking. You suspect a bacterial infection. 7 .

Causes

Symptoms

Treatment

Clinical significance

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.

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Prevention