Post nasal drip is quite a common issue that comes with some annoying and irritating symptoms. If you are having an irritating cough, a feeling of mucus stuck in your throat, or experiencing constant throat cleaning, then you are probably having a postnasal drip. This is when you might wish to know how to get rid of post nasal drip. No worries, as there are several ways and means to tackle this issue effectively. Today, in this blog, you will get to know everything about how to get rid of post nasal drip.
What is Post Nasal Drip?
When excess mucus is produced in your nasal passages and drips down the back of the threat, it leads to post nasal drip. Mucus, despite being a natural defense method to trap particles and bacteria, overproduction causes health issues and discomfort.
Common Symptoms
There are various symptoms of common post nasal drip that you must know. Once you face any of these symptoms, then you can be sure that you are suffering from post nasal drip.
- Runny nose or nasal congestion.
- Bad breath due to accumulated mucus.
- Sore throat or hoarseness.
- Chronic cough.
- A sensation or accumulation of mucus in the back of your throat.
- Persistent throat cleaning.
What are the Causes?
Before knowing how to get rid of post nasal drip, you should know about the causes of this issue. It is very important for you to understand the underlying causes behind this problem.
- Infections: Colds or sinus infections are known to be frequent culprits.
- Allergies: Pet dander, dust, and pollen could enhance mucus production, leading to post nasal drip.
- Dry Air: Breathing in dry air can also create this issue in some individuals.
- Acid Reflux: GERD could also be another culprit behind this issue.
- Medications: There are some specifications (blood pressure medications) that could lead to symptoms of post nasal drip.
Home Remedies
Apart from taking the medications, there are various natural home remedies that you can opt for. If you wish to know how to get rid of post nasal drip, then these home remedies could be your best solution for all the right reasons. Check out the below-described remedies:
Stay Hydrated – How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip
Staying hydrated is the first and foremost thing for you to do while suffering from post nasal drip. Drinking warm water or warm teas with some herbal ingredients like ginger and chamomile can also be effective in this regard. It can perfectly soothe your throat while thinning the mucus.
Steam Inhalation – How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip
Inhaling steam is another useful and effective home remedy for you to consider. It loosens the thick mucus and makes it easier to expel. You also have the option of adding oils like peppermint or eucalyptus for a soothing feeling.
Use Saline Nasal Spray – How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip
You can also use saline sprays to flush out the excess mucus from the nasal passages. It is known to be a very effective way to get immediate relief. This is how to get rid of post nasal drip.
Lift Your Head while Sleeping – How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip
It would be useful for you to keep your head in some elevated position while sleeping. It will prevent the mucus from accumulating in the throat. Using an adjustable bed frame or an extra pillow is recommended for you in this regard.
Avoid Dairy Products – How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip
You should avoid consuming dairy products while suffering from post nasal drip. Dairy products could help thicken the mucus and worsen the overall symptoms. This is why cutting back on yogurt, cheese, and milk would be helpful.
How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip: The Medical Treatments
If natural home remedies are not enough, then you should opt for medical treatments. Check out these medical solutions:
Decongestants and Antihistamines
If you are suffering from postnasal drip due to an allergy, then you should take antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine, as they help reduce mucus production. Using decongestants like pseudoephedrine would also prove to be beneficial.
Nasal Corticosteroids
If you are facing a postnasal drip due to inflammation, then you are recommended to use nasal sprays like budesonide or fluticasone. These sprays can effectively lower mucus production and swelling.
Antibiotic
You are supposed to take antibiotics (after consulting a medical professional) if the nasal drip is caused by a bacterial sinus infection. This will alleviate the symptoms and clear the infection.
Acid Reflux Medications
If your postnasal drip is caused by GERD, then it would be better for you to use medications like PPI (proton pump inhibitors). It can effectively alleviate the postnasal drip and reduce acid reflux.
Can You Have a Magic Cure?
While suffering from nasal drip and knowing how to get rid of post nasal drip, you might wish to find a magical cure that will treat you fast. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the postnasal drip problem. However, you can combine various treatments to speed up recovery to some extent.
- You can treat dry-air-induced postnasal drip with the help of proper hydration and humidifiers.
- If it is a chronic sinus infection, then you may need to consult a doctor and make changes to your lifestyle.
- In case of allergy-related nasal drip, it is better for you to avoid allergens, use nasal sprays, and opt for antihistamines accordingly.
Hence, there is no single magical cure for your postnasal drip. However, understanding the triggers and using the right remedies and medications might treat the issue quickly and effectively.
Essential Lifestyle Changes to Make
If you frequently suffer from nasal drip, then it would be best for you to make some essential lifestyle changes to address this issue. Some of the proactive measures that you can take are:
Follow Good Hygiene – How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip
It is important for you to have good hygiene. Wash your hands with soap frequently, and wear a mask.
Use a Hand Humidifier – How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip
Using a humidifier at the office or home is useful in preventing nasal irritation. It is important for you to keep the air moist, particularly in winter.
Avoid Irritants – How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip
You should stay away from various irritants like strong perfume and cigarettes strong. Such irritants could exacerbate the symptoms of postnasal drip.
Have a Balanced Diet – How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip
Having a balanced diet strengthens your immune system, which fights bacteria to prevent nasal drip. Hence, consume foods rich in minerals, vitamins, protein, and other essential nutrients. Add more vegetables and fruits to your diet.
Sound Sleep – How to Get Rid of Post Nasal Drip
Getting a sound sleep at night is also important to prevent postnasal drip. Sleep is vital as it helps your body recover from infections and reduces stress, which prevents mucus production in the process.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Most of the time, you would be able to handle the postnasal drip with homemade remedies or some medications. But there could be cases when you might need to consult a medical professional. You are required to consult a doctor if you experience:
- Severe sinus pain and blood in the mucus.
- Persistent fever along with the nasal drip.
- Difficulty swallowing or severe throat pain.
- Symptoms lasting for more than 10 days
Conclusion
If you frequently suffer from nasal drip, then you must know how to get rid of post nasal drip. This issue could be quite an annoying and irritating problem, but you can manage it with effective remedies. Following some healthy habits will help you prevent nasal drip in the first place. This is how you would be able to significantly eliminate the chance of suffering from nasal drip. Making some lifestyle changes is very important for you.
But despite all the efforts, remedies, and solutions, if the situation goes out of hand, then you are required to consult a medical professional. Persistent post nasal drip could be a serious concern that needs immediate medical attention. The important thing for you is to consider the issue seriously and opt for the right approach to remedies and solutions. This is how you would be able to get rid of this issue or prevent it in the right way.
FAQs
What are Some Post Nasal Drip Symptoms?
Ans: There are various post-nasal drip symptoms, including nasal congestion, chronic cough, mucus accumulation in the throat, and throat clearing. Different individuals may face different symptoms.
What are the Causes of Nasal Drip?
Ans: Various things might cause nasal drip, such as acid reflux, dry air, infections, allergies, and some specific medications. You might suffer from this issue due to some specific reason.
How to Cure Post Nasal Drip?
Ans: There are various remedies to choose from. You should avoid irritants, use saline sprays, inhale steam, and keep your hydrated to treat postnasal drip effectively.
Is There Any Magic Post Nasal Drip Treatment?
Ans: No, different treatments or remedies work for different individuals. You are supposed to try an effective combination of various remedies to ensure your fast recovery.
What is the Magic Cure for Post Nasal Drip?
Ans: There is no magic cure for post nasal drip. You have the option of trying different home remedies or medications to know what works best for you.
