For post-nasal drip (PND), antihistamines (especially newer, non-drowsy types) target allergy-related drainage and sneezing, while decongestants (like pseudoephedrine) reduce stuffiness, but should be used short-term to avoid rebound congestion; often, a combination or addressing the root cause (allergies, infection) with nasal rinses or sprays works best, so check with a doctor for the right choice.
How to stop post nasal drip
More specifically, post-nasal drip causes mucus to accumulate at the back of your nose, which then drips down into your throat and creates a raw soreness. This extra mucus drains down into your stomach, which can cause nausea and vomiting in some patients.
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.
Antihistamines can help by inhibiting the production of symptom-causing chemicals, and decongestants work by reducing the amount of fluid in the nose. While they'll both help, antihistamines may be a bit better because they can address multiple symptoms rather than just one.
In cases where allergies cause postnasal drip, treatment may include allergy pills, allergy shots or drops (immunotherapy), antihistamine nasal sprays, decongestants, and/or nasal or oral steroids.
Self-care at home
Guaifenesin is used to help clear mucus or phlegm (pronounced flem) from the chest when you have congestion from a cold or flu. It works by thinning the mucus or phlegm in the lungs. This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.
Antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) can help if allergies are causing your postnasal drip symptoms. These medications can lessen swelling and congestion in your nasal passages and ease postnasal drip and cough.
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.
If you have unmanaged high blood pressure, don't take nasal decongestants. They can raise your blood pressure even if you do have it managed. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking a nasal decongestant if you have any of the following health conditions: Diabetes.
Antihistamines are medicines that treat allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine. Antihistamines come as pills, chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops. There are also injectable forms used mainly in health care settings.
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.
Methods for clearing sinus drainage include: Staying well-hydrated to help thin out mucus secretions. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air and help relieve dry nasal passages. Elevating your head while sleeping to prevent mucus from collecting at the back of the throat.
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.
Do
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.
Sleep with your head slightly elevated to help keep the mucus from pooling at the back of your throat. This can also help reduce acid reflux if that's what's causing the drip. Pile up pillows or put a wedge under the head of your mattress for better drainage.
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.
Can post-nasal-drip find its way into your lungs? Definitely. That's why post-nasal drip can trigger a variety of symptoms and conditions, from a sore throat to pneumonia. Post-nasal drip will typically resolve itself when the root cause is also resolved.
What Does Postnasal Drip Feel Like? Postnasal drip can often feel like thick mucus is constantly draining down the back of your throat, think of it like a reverse runny nose. This can cause the sensation of a lump in your throat that gives you the urge to swallow more frequently.
Post-nasal drip can be difficult to cure, and treatment varies according to the cause: Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, nasal spray, decongestants, and nasal saline irrigations. For chronic sinusitis, surgery to open the blocked sinuses may be required.
Environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander trigger your nose to produce thin, clear mucus to flush out irritants. This creates persistent drainage that flows steadily throughout the day. Food allergies can also cause post-nasal drip, though this connection often gets overlooked.
Postnasal drip is usually worse at night when you are lying down. You may also experience a sore throat and persistent cough due to postnasal drip. If you have postnasal drip for an extended period of time, treatment can help alleviate your symptoms.