Postnasal drip is the passage of excessive mucus from the nose down the back of the throat. This often happens due to allergies, infections like flu or colds, bacterial infections such as sinusitis, hormonal changes during pregnancy, specific drugs, or GERD.

Treatment for postnasal drip focuses on treating the underlying cause, making it crucial to identify the factors that lead to the excessive mucus flow into the throat.

Symptoms of postnasal drip

Postnasal drip symptoms may vary from one individual to another. Here are some common symptoms:

• A sensation like mucus is draining from the throat
• Swallowing often to clear the throat mucus
• Hoarseness caused by the discharge of mucus from the throat
• Natural or repetitive throat-clearing
• Mouth foulness caused by mucus accumulation in the throat
• Severe cough, particularly during the night
• Nausea and vomiting may occur if excessive mucus enters the stomach.

Postnasal drip can lead to complications, including ear infections. Mucus blockage in the Eustachian tube, connecting the nose and throat to the middle ear, can lead to this problem.

Read more: 3 Types Of Ear Infections And Differences

The best postnasal drip treatment options

When you experience postnasal drip, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. The primary cause of postnasal drip can be determined and treated with the help of an examination. If your post-nasal drip is due to allergies, for example, your doctor may recommend antihistamines to help control your allergic reactions, which can cause the accumulation of mucus. A nasal decongestant, which works by constricting blood vessels in the nose, may also be recommended to reduce mucus production.

Additionally, there are additional steps that may relieve post-nasal drip.

Humidifiers

A humidifier is a device that can add moisture to the air. This instrument is highly beneficial for relieving symptoms associated with dry skin, eye irritation, dry throat, allergies, nosebleeds, sinus headaches, and cracked lips.

A humidifier can increase throat moisture, helping remove extra mucus.

Nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation, often known as nasal cleaning, is an efficient method to cleanse the nasal cavity and relieve symptoms of postnasal drip. You can get a nasal rinse solution from a pharmacy or create your saline solution by combining one teaspoon of non-iodinated salt with a cup of warm water. Then, use a spray bottle to introduce the liquid into the nasal cavity. 

Read more: Home Affairs To Overcome Suffocational Nostrils

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is as simple as drinking enough water. In addition to soothing the throat and keeping the body hydrated, warm beverages like tea, honey-infused water, or chicken broth are good options.

Set the pillows higher

Positioning the pillows may reduce mucus accumulation in the throat during postnasal drip. This strategy helps minimize the possibility of mucus drainage into your throat when you lay down to sleep.

Postnasal drip is typically not harmful. However, suppose you continue to have symptoms such as fever, mucus with blood, wheezing, difficulty breathing, foul-smelling nasal discharge, and no improvement. In that case, it is advisable to see the doctor. An early assessment by a doctor may help recommend more suitable medicines and other therapies.

If you have concerns about post-nasal drip, our health consultation services offer the opportunity to consult with our doctors using the Ai Care application. This app can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

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