Treating Postnasal Drip

You’ve been dealing with that persistent tickle in your throat, the one that’s been making you cough and clear your throat for what seems like forever. Finally, you have your answer: post-nasal drip. It’s a condition many people experience. Various factors can trigger it, such as allergies, viral infections like sinus infections, the common cold, and environmental irritants like dust or fumes. Less commonly, it might be caused by an object stuck in the nose (especially in kids), pregnancy, or certain medications. Sometimes, it’s just a temporary reaction to things like spicy foods or dry, cold air.

The issue at hand is the continuous flow of mucus from your sinuses, causing throat irritation and relentless cough.

So, What Can You Do?

Now that you’re armed with a diagnosis let’s discuss your postnasal drip treatment options. These range from simple home remedies to over-the-counter medicines:

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Solutions

1. Humidifier or Steam Inhalation: Using a humidifier or inhaling steam (like during a hot shower) can provide relief.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin the mucus.
3. Elevate Your Head During Sleep: Sleeping with your head propped up prevents mucus from pooling in your throat.
4. Neti Pot: A Neti Pot is a device used for nasal irrigation. It can help clear out mucus and allergens from your nasal passages. It’s important to use distilled or sterilized water for safety.
5. Gargling: Gargling with warm salt water can soothe a sore throat caused by post-nasal drip and can help clear mucus.
6. Nasal Irrigation: Saline nasal rinses can clear out nasal passages.
7. Oral Decongestants: Medications like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine (Sudafed PE, Neo-Synephrine) can help.
8. Mucus Thinners: Guaifenesin (Mucinex) thins the mucus for easier clearing.
9. Antihistamines: Options include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and others.
10. Nasal Decongestants: Products like oxymetazoline (Afrin) reduce secretions but should be used briefly.

Keep an eye out for combination medications, like various Sudafed formulations, which blend different active ingredients.

Prescription Treatments

If over-the-counter methods aren’t cutting it, your doctor might suggest prescription options:

• Nasal Steroid Sprays: Such as beclomethasone (Beconase) or triamcinolone (Nasacort).
• Ipratropium Nasal Spray: This spray limits secretions like mucus.

Treatment depends heavily on the underlying cause. For example, antibiotics usually aren’t helpful for postnasal drip unless it’s due to a bacterial sinus infection. For allergy-induced symptoms, regular dusting, vacuuming, using special air filters, and covering mattresses and pillows can reduce exposure to allergens.

What About Chicken Soup?

Yes, chicken soup (or any hot liquid, really) can help alleviate postnasal drip. It thins the mucus and aids in hydration.

When to Contact a Doctor

While post-nasal drip is typically more annoying than harmful, you should consult a doctor if you notice:

• High fever
• Facial pain
• Bloody mucus or thick, discolored mucus
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Foul-smelling drainage
• Symptoms persist despite treatment

In Summary

Post-nasal drip, a frequent cause of prolonged cough and sore throat, can be frustrating. However, the bright side is that once the cause is pinpointed, most cases improve with appropriate treatment.