My Disability Made Easy Post Nasal Drip

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Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat and creates the feeling of dripping mucus. The condition can lead to a chronic cough or a sore throat. The treatments for postnasal drip focus on the cause of the excess mucus, which may be an allergic reaction or non-allergic rhinitis. A visit to a physician to determine the cause of the condition is an important first step to alleviate postnasal drip.

1. 1

   Remove allergens from the environment when possible as it can be helpful only in allergic patients. Allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold can irritate the nasal cavity and lead to postnasal drip.

   • Bathe pets 2 times per week to remove dander coming from their saliva and skin glands that may cause an irritation leading to postnasal drip. It may be necessary to remove pets from the home if the allergic reaction and postnasal drip is severe.
   • Remove (flowering and non-flowering) plants from the home.
   • Enclose unused pillows and mattresses in plastic to minimize allergens while sleeping. Vacuum compression bags like these on Amazon are a good option for storage.
   • Clean your living areas, such as by sweeping, mopping, and dusting.

2. 2

   Use a HEPA air purifier to remove allergenic irritants from the environment, there are not big differences among the very expensive and budget ones. An air purifier cleanses the air. Make sure to keep it on while you sleep as well. Some top rated options on Amazon include the Levoit purifier and Aroeve purifier for cheaper options, or the Veva purifier for quiet operation, and the Bissell purifier for ease of use.

   • In addition, using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, which relieves the irritation in the nasal cavity. When the nasal cavity is irritated, it produces excess mucus as a response.^[1]
   • If you don't have a humidifier, take a hot shower and inhale the steam.

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3. 3

   Consult an allergist or take an allergy test. ^[2] Chronic postnasal drip could be caused by an underlying food allergy that you don't yet know about or have recently developed. Check with an allergist to see if you could be allergic to something and not yet know it. Especially if you have postnasal drip with temperature changes, let the allergist know as you might have a non-allergic condition called vasomotor rhinitis.

   • Dairy is not a likely culprit, and studies indicate no clear link between dairy and mucus production.^[3]

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1. 1

   Drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated. Dehydration can aggravate the symptoms of rhinitis and postnasal drip. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Water is the best choice to remain hydrated while suffering from rhinitis and postnasal drip.^[4]

   • Look at your urine to determine if you're getting enough water during the day. If your urine is yellow, you're probably not getting enough water. If your urine is clearer, with at most a hint of yellow, you're probably drinking enough water.
   • Drinking warm fluids, such as water, is especially helpful for relieving postnasal drip.

2. 2

   Blow your nose frequently to remove excess mucus in the nasal cavity. Blowing the nose can remove irritants, which causes a buildup of mucus. For mucus that cannot be cleared after blowing the nose, some people prefer snorting and spitting the excess mucus from the back of the throat, avoiding bad breath and dry mouth.

3. 3

   Rinse the nasal cavity to remove mucus causing irritants. ^[5] Over the counter saline kits like the ones here and nasal sprays like the ones here are available to rinse the nasal cavity. The saline solution flushes the irritants from the nasal cavity, thins the mucus and relieves the membranes in the nose.^[6]

   • Try using a Neti pot to clear out the mucus in the sinus and the back of the throat. You can find a variety of Neti pots on Amazon here. Be aware, however, that by using a sinus irrigation device you could be removing natural antimicrobial agents that get rid of enemy bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
   • Apply 2 to 3 saline nasal drops every 2 to 3 hours to help moisten your nasal passages and relieve congestion.

4. 4

   Use over-the-counter decongestants with caution to relieve mucus buildup and postnasal drip. Oral decongestants narrow the blood vessels to reduce the amount of congestion in the nasal cavity.^[7] Decongestants are also available in a nasal spray.

5. 5

   Use decongestants for only 3 days in succession. If symptoms don't get better after 3 days, discontinue the use of decongestants.^[8] The use of decongestants after 3 days may be more harmful as the nose will forget the natural mechanisms for decongestion and it can therefore create a rebound congestion that may persist for months.^[9]

6. 6

   Remove mucus with mucus-thinning medications. Medications such as guaifenesin (Mucinex) are sold OTC and taken in tablet or syrup form. These help to thin out the mucus and make it easier for it to run out.^[10]

   • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how to take these medications and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

7. 7

   Ask your doctor for prescription medications to relieve irritation and mucus buildup. The physician can prescribe corticosteroid, antihistamine, and anti-drip sprays to relieve postnasal drip.^[11]

   • Corticosteroid sprays, such as Flonase and Nasacort, help to treat the swelling and inflammation in your nasal passages that occur with allergic rhinitis.
   • Antihistamine sprays can effectively treat allergic rhinitis causes of postnasal drip and are also effective in some non-allergic causes as vasomotor rhinitis, which must be evaluated by your allergist.^[12]

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1. 1

   Make a saltwater gargle. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm or lukewarm water and gargle after lifting your head back. ^[13]

2. 2

   Do a round of house cleaning. If allergens are haunting your sinuses, the only home treatment you may need is a treatment of your home. Try the following suggestions to remove dust, pollen, and dander from your residence before they come back to bite you — in the nose.

   • Wash your clothes, sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses in hot water regularly. Hot water will kill any bacteria that may be causing your symptoms.
   • Vacuum regularly with true or absolute HEPA filters. Vacuuming with HEPA filters ensures that any allergens are picked up during the vacuuming process.

3. 3

   Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods in case you feel worsening shortly after exposition to these factors. All 3 may make mucus production worse, so it is best to avoid these while you have a cold.

4. 4

   Use steam treatments. Try out a DIY steam treatment by covering your head with a towel and placing it a safe distance from a pot of warm water.

   • Take a warm shower. Let the steam of the warm water work its way into your lungs and sinuses while you bathe.

5. 5

   Consider trying the lime cure being aware that there are no studies to support its efficacy. For this, you'll need 3 cups of tea (1 huge cup) and hot water. Add sugar to taste and a little honey. Squeeze in the juice of 1/2 dark green lime. Drink this concoction first thing every morning without food. The lime will clean your liver and your stomach (full of last night's mucus due to the postnasal dripping) and you'll feel lots of energy throughout the day.

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Add New Question

• Question

  Do nasal steroids reduce inflammation?

  

  Dr. Farah Khan is a Board Certified Allergist and Immunologist who graduated from fellowship in 2020. She specializes in asthma, food allergy, skin conditions, and rhinosinusitis care, and treats both adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Khan holds an MD from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed her Pediatric Residency training at INOVA Children's Hospital and her fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Khan is an active member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology as well as the Clinical Immunology Society.

  

  Board Certified Allergist & Immunologist

  Expert Answer

  Definitely! Nasal steroids help calm any inflammation that can lead to congestion and drainage.

• Question

  How long does postnasal drip last?

  

  Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

  

  Master's Degree, Nursing, University of Tennessee Knoxville

  Expert Answer

  It all depends on your underlying condition. Some people have chronic post-nasal drip and for others it is a transient (temporary) symptom. Talk to your doctor to evaluate the root cause of your symptoms and address them appropriately.

• Question

  What do I do if I don't feel congestion in my nose, but I feel like there is something in my throat all the time?

  

  Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.

  

  Board Certified Family Medicine Physician

  Expert Answer

  This can happen and just depends on your anatomy. You may just have more mucus flowing back than forward. I recommend trying the treatments listed.

• Question

  How can I get rid of the bad odor in my nose?

  

  Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.

  

  Board Certified Family Medicine Physician

  Expert Answer

  This might be due to too much mucus stuck in your sinuses and I would recommend the irrigation suggestions listed in this article.

• Question

  Does post nasal drip mean I have sinus infection?

  

  Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

  

  Master's Degree, Nursing, University of Tennessee Knoxville

  Expert Answer

  No, post-nasal drip does not mean a sinus infection. It can be a sign of allergic rhinitis or upper respiratory viral infection. However, chronic post-nasal drip (lasting 3-4 weeks) accompanied by facial pain and heaviness with bending over in the area of your over your sinuses, heavy nasal congestion, thick, yellow and green nasal discharge may be signs of a sinus infection.

• Question

  Dose nausea cause nasal drip?

  

  Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.

  

  Board Certified Family Medicine Physician

  Expert Answer

  No, but PND can cause nausea from all the mucus that flows down into your stomach.

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Video

• Try not to be too warm, as this will often trigger more coughing.

• Check to make sure it is post nasal drip and not reflux.

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• Steroid medications can cause serious side effects if used long term. A physician must monitor the use of these medications.

• Decongestants can cause high blood pressure, heart palpitations, insomnia, loss of appetite, and anxiety. Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used longer than three or four days to relieve postnasal drip. The medication may cause congestion to return with increased symptoms when stopped.

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Things You'll Need

• Plastic mattress covers
• Air purifier
• Humidifier
• Over the counter medications

About This Article

Article Summary X

To cure postnasal drip, add 1/2 a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gargle with it, which can help clear up mucus in your throat. You can also try taking a hot shower or holding your head over a bowl of steamy water since steam can clear up your sinuses. If you want to flush out the mucus in your nose, use an over-the-counter nasal spray or a Neti pot. To learn how to cure postnasal drip using over-the-counter medications, keep reading!

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