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.
Bacterial infections. Sinus infections (sinusitis). Cold temperatures, changing weather and dryness in the air. Bright lights.
What can I do to ease my symptoms of post-nasal drip? Some things you can do to help ease symptoms are: Drink more fluids (preferably water) to thin out the mucus. Use a saline nasal spray.
Postnasal drip caused by allergies can be managed with OTC antihistamines and decongestants. Note that older antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton can actually thicken mucus; instead, try Claritin, Alavert, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal or Clarinex.
Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) and loratadine (brand Claritin) are good second-generation antihistamines that are non-sedating and could be good for mild to moderate postnasal drip symptoms.
Gargling with warm salt water may aid in the removal of mucus from the back of the throat and the relief of a sore throat. Gargling with salt water, like utilizing saline to wash our sinuses, can help to moisten our tissues with a fluid similar to our body's natural salinity.
It's been suggested that drinking apple cider vinegar or inhaling its steam can relieve the sensation of post-nasal drip because the strong odor and taste can loosen mucus and prevent it from building up.
Saline nasal irrigation.
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.
Foods that have increased histamine levels can trigger your body to produce more mucus. Bananas are one among them, and that is the reason why bananas can aggravate post-nasal drip.
Eliminating dairy can help thin thick mucus that's causing post-nasal drip. Over-the-counter medications may also clear it up. See a healthcare provider if you have post-nasal drip that lasts three weeks or more, a fever as an additional symptom, or mucus that is yellowish, greenish, or bloody.
Manuka OR Raw Local Honey can help with post-nasal drip.
Not only does manuka honey attack harmful bacteria, it also coats the inner lining of the throat for a soothing effect. The higher the UMF number, the higher the level of these compounds. To get the most benefit, use a Manuka honey with a high UMF.
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.
A postnasal drip is excess mucus that the glands of the nose and throat secrete. A person may feel as if mucus is dripping down or stuck in their throat, particularly at night. They may feel the need to clear their throat more than usual.
Overview. Bananas can help relieve an upset stomach by stimulating the production of mucus from the stomach lining. The mucus creates a barrier between the stomach lining and the acidic gastric substances that cause heartburn and stomach upset.
Sugary Foods
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. Sweet treats are ok to enjoy once in a while, but consistently having them can adversely affect you.
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.
Your condition could be more serious when the postnasal drip is accompanied by symptoms such as: Extreme difficulty breathing or swallowing. A lump in or on the throat or neck. Sores inside your nose that won't heal.
Post-nasal drip occurs when your body produces too much mucus or when mucus isn't draining effectively. It's a common symptom of colds and other respiratory infections or allergies that have respiratory effects.
If you suffer from other chronic sinus conditions, it is possible to experience chronic post-nasal drip.