If your sinus issues have escalated and you have severe drainage or an infection, your sleeping position is even more critical. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated also helps if you have a sinus infection.
Pick a side, any side. Sometimes, lying on your side can really help clear post nasal drip.
Gravity is also involved in the sinuses draining when we lie down. This is one reason so many people notice post nasal drip when they're trying to go to sleep. While the force of gravity is a constant, if congestion is bad enough, it could help to sleep with the head slightly elevated.
Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and reduce the chance of excessive blood flow that can develop sinus congestion.
Prop up your head.
“For congestion relief, sleep with your head elevated on a few pillows and maintain a position where your head is above your heart,” Govindaraj suggests.
Antihistamines and decongestants can often help with postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections. They can also be effective, along with steroid nasal sprays, for postnasal drip caused by allergies.
Many people find that postnasal drip is worse at night and can prevent them sleeping. There are various factors that could be to blame for this. One significant problem is that lying down in bed changes your elevation, draining mucus into the upper respiratory airway.
In addition to allergies, here are some other factors that may cause or aggravate your post-nasal drip: Dehydration: Breathing a lot of dry air—very common when the heater goes on in the wintertime— can dehydrate the nasal passages or cause increased production of mucus.
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.
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.
Try using a medicine that thins mucus and improves sinus drainage (mucolytic). Guaifenesin is a commonly used mucolytic. Mucolytics are often combined with other medicines such as cough suppressants. Acetaminophen can be found in many forms and comes in different doses.
The frontal sinus has the most complex and variable drainage of any paranasal sinus.
Balloon sinuplasty allows the surgeon to dilate a blocked sinus, creating open space, which allows the sinus to drain normally. The surgeon uses a flexible endoscope with a light to guide the insertion of a thin wire. The wire is then moved through the nasal passages toward the opening of the blocked sinus.
26. Prop Yourself Up With Pillows. According to Dr. Leann Poston of Invigor Medical, “Elevating your head before bed can increase drainage and decrease congestion.” That's why the best position to sleep with a stuffy nose is on your back with different types of pillows elevating your head and neck.
Antihistamines. Antihistamines tend to dry out the lining of the nose and thicken mucus. If sinus sufferers also have allergies, physicians will prescribe antihistamines such as Claritin, Allergra, Zyrtec or Benadryl and/or allergy shots to control the inflammation that results from allergies.
Postnasal drip refers to excess mucus that someone may feel in the back of the nose and throat, causing a constant need to clear the throat. It may lead to symptoms, such as a sore throat and trouble swallowing. Environmental triggers, such as allergies, cold weather, or dry air, may cause postnasal drip.
Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Studies have not compared the effects of Zyrtec and Claritin for conditions such as postnasal drip, but research suggests intranasal antihistamines such as azelastine are more effective.
Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening. Cetirizine can be taken with or without food.
Seasonal allergies, cologne, perfume, smoke, and other airborne particulates can mess with your sinuses, especially when suffering from a sinus infection. Unfortunately, other than staying in a hermetically sealed room, there's not much you can do about some of these.
Drinking club soda or hot tea with lemon, or sucking on sugar-free sour lemon drops may help break up mucus. Increase your fluid intake to 8-12 cups per day to help loosen phlegm. Mucus builds up during the night, which may make you feel nauseated in the morning.