For daytime post-nasal drip, non-drowsy antihistamines (like Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra), steroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasacort), or decongestants (Sudafed) are best, depending on the cause, with antihistamines and sprays targeting allergies/inflammation, and decongestants for congestion; you should also stay hydrated and use saline rinses. Always check labels for combination products and consult a doctor if symptoms persist or if you have underlying conditions.
Self-care at home
Routine use of oral antihistamines (e.g. Allegra®, CLARITIN®, or Zyrtec®) or steroid nasal sprays (e.g. Nasacort® or FLONASE®) may offer relief from increased secretions caused by exposure to allergens.
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.
You may already be familiar with the most common symptoms, like headaches, congestion, and pressure inside your sinus cavities, but sinus infections can also cause post-nasal drip — more often referred to as drainage — which may lead to nausea and even vomiting.
Remedies for nausea from postnasal drip or throat irritation
Discolored, bad-smelling postnasal drip can be caused by disease in the sinuses, called sinusitis. This is sometimes caused by an infection with a virus or bacteria. Sinusitis can be short term (acute) or long term (chronic). It can cause you to have a stuffy nose, thick mucus, facial pressure, and trouble smelling.
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.
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.
Post-nasal drip (PND) duration varies greatly by cause, from a few days with a cold to weeks or months if chronic, with mild cases resolving as the underlying issue (like allergies or infection) clears, but lingering for long periods with conditions like sinusitis or persistent allergies, requiring specific treatment. Mild PND from a cold might last a week, while persistent symptoms after 10 days or worsening issues warrant seeing a doctor to identify the root cause, such as viral infections, allergies, or sinus inflammation.
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. “The mucosa atrophies as we age, which can cause thicker mucus that is more bothersome,” says Dr.
Yes, Zyrtec can help with post-nasal drip by blocking histamine, which can reduce mucus production and nasal irritation. It's known for being slightly more potent than Claritin, but it can cause drowsiness in some people, so consider using it in the evening if you're sensitive to that effect.
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.
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.
To get rid of postnasal drip due to a bacterial infection, your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications, including:
In the context of chronic rhinitis, vitamin D deficiency may lead to an imbalance in these immune processes, resulting in chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
Savor some pineapple.
This sweet and tangy tropical fruit is not only packed with vitamin C but bromelain as well. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples known for its ability to help break up excess sinus mucus and reduce the production of mucus often caused by allergies.
Some foods and drinks can contribute to post-nasal drip. Spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine are known to stimulate mucus production. Additionally, dairy products can thicken mucus for some people, exacerbating the sensation of post-nasal drip.
For some, the symptoms and discomfort are enough to send them to their primary care doctor for help. However, if the problem is chronic and recurring, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
Here are some common warning signs that indicate you have an ENT issue that needs medical attention.
Post-nasal drip often leads to a sore, irritated throat. Although there is usually no infection, the tonsils and other tissues in the throat may swell. This can cause discomfort or a feeling that there is a lump in the throat. Successful treatment of the post-nasal drip will usually clear up these throat symptoms.
LPR can lead to coughing, hoarseness or sore throat, which could be mistaken for allergy symptoms or signs of a sinus infection.
With postnasal drip syndrome, they drip instead through the airways into the lower respiratory tract (see drawing below). As a result, the infection is transmitted to the lungs.
Postnasal drip and nausea
Nausea isn't a typical symptom of postnasal drip. But if too much mucus drains into your stomach, it can cause nausea or vomiting. Some people may also have nausea when taking certain medications used to treat postnasal drip symptoms such as decongestants.