Postnasal drip is very common and has many different causes. While the condition isn't usually serious, it can be annoying. With some over-the-counter medications and other home remedies, it should clear up on its own.
Self-care at home
There's a strong link between pregnancy and post-nasal drip. During pregnancy, the body produces excessive amounts of mucus that the body expels through the nose. Unfortunately, the excess mucus can clog the sinuses and begin to drain down the throat, causing irritation.
Antihistamines and decongestants, cromolyn and steroid (cortisone type) nasal sprays, and other forms of steroids may offer relief. Immunotherapy, either by shots or sublingual (under the tongue drops) may also be helpful.
Acid Reflux Connection: Postnasal drip can contribute to acid reflux by increasing throat irritation, which may lead to heartburn, indigestion, or nausea.
This leads to symptoms like cough, sore throat, and a scratchy voice. Home remedies that can ease postnasal drip symptoms include humidifiers, warm fluids, and saltwater gargles. Some others that can work are honey, nasal saline rinses, and sleeping slightly propped up. There's no magic cure for postnasal drip.
Postnasal drip is when mucus drips down from the back of the nose into the throat. Many things can cause postnasal drip, including allergies, pollution, certain foods, or changes in temperature. The mucus can have different colors and thicknesses. This depends on what is causing it.
An ENT specialist can help you identify and manage the underlying cause of your postnasal drip. Common medical treatments may include allergy medication, antibiotics, decongestants and surgery to fix a deviated septum.
Post-nasal drip (PND) duration varies by cause, often clearing in 1-2 weeks for viral colds, but can last weeks or months with allergies, chronic sinusitis, or other underlying issues, requiring treatment for the root cause like antihistamines or nasal steroids for longer-lasting cases. It's normal for cold-related PND to improve within two weeks, but see a doctor if symptoms persist, worsen (e.g., thick green mucus, fever, facial pain), or recur frequently.
Foods that are known to promote reflux include: fatty foods, spicy foods, coffee, tea, soda and other caffeinated beverages, alcohol, chocolates, nuts, citrus fruits and juices, mints, cough drops, breath fresheners, gum, hard candies, and some mouthwashes.
A significant number of patients with self-described symptoms of postnasal dripping actually deny any specific nasal or sinus symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, difficulty breathing, allergies, or recurrent sinus infections.
A chronic cough is a cough that doesn't go away. Common causes of chronic cough include asthma, postnasal drip and acid reflux (GERD). Treatments depend on the underlying cause. But they usually involve taking medicines and making changes to your routine.
What are the Symptoms of Postnasal Drip? 2
For most patients, I typically suggest guaifenesin (Mucinex®), which can help relieve both wet and dry coughs. Wet coughs: These are caused by excess fluid or mucus in the airways, and are often caused by a post-nasal drip that tickles your throat.
Home remedies
If you've taken steps to clear up your postnasal drip and they're not working, call your healthcare provider. You may have a bacterial infection that needs an antibiotic. Symptoms of a bacterial infection may include: Fever.
But, post nasal drip can also be a symptom of infections, such as influenza, the common cold, or other sinus infections. In these cases, it is not the post nasal drip itself that is contagious. Rather, it is the infection causing the post nasal drip that can be contagious.
Does post-nasal drip get into the lungs? Definitely. Post-nasal-drip can bring about a number of conditions, from a soar throat to pneumonia, for that reason. Once the inherent cause of post-nasal-drip has resolved, it clear itself up.
In these cases, several different conditions may be to blame, including allergies, colds, flu, sinus infections, fumes, smoke, dust, very cold air, or even chronic acid reflux. Age is a factor as well.
Here are some common warning signs that indicate you have an ENT issue that needs medical attention.
If you're coughing less frequently and you're sleeping better, it's likely that a cough is getting better. A cough producing clearer and thinner mucus is a sign of improvement. Watch for signs that a cough is getting worse: bloody mucus, symptoms lasting three weeks or more, or being short of breath when you cough.
LPR can lead to coughing, hoarseness or sore throat, which could be mistaken for allergy symptoms or signs of a sinus infection.
However, high-sugar foods are unsuitable for long-term health, and sweets can worsen your sinus problems. Foods that contain refined sugars, such as candy, soda, chocolate, and baked goods, can cause your body to become inflamed and produce excess mucus, which can be crucial factors in your sinus health.
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.