What is Good for Postnasal Drip?

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes 20 seconds

What is a Postnasal Drip?

Our bodies produce mucus to trap dust and allergens and fight infections. In some cases, however, more mucus may be produced than is needed by the body. In such cases, postnasal drip occurs, that is, the excess mucus collected in the nasal passages begins to drip into the back of the throat.

Although different causes play a role in the occurrence of postnasal drip, this problem is usually associated with allergies and infections. In cases where mucus accumulation is high, irritation of the throat and the urge to clear the throat can lead to a constant urge to cough.

Although postnasal drip, one of the body’s self-defense methods, is usually harmless, it can sometimes be quite uncomfortable. In some cases, postnasal drip, which can also cause difficulty swallowing or bad breath, is a health problem that can be cured by finding out what causes this problem.

What Causes Postnasal Drip?

Mucus production, one of the body’s self-defense methods, can often increase due to infection, exposure to irritants, or nasal structure. The trigger of postnasal drip that results from this may vary from changes in environmental conditions to specific health problems.

Some of the most common causes of postnasal drip are as follows:

• Seasonal or year-round allergies (such as hay fever or pet allergies)
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Dry air and irritants (such as cigarette smoke, pollution, strong odors)
• Acid Reflux (GERD)
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, birth control pills, and other hormonal changes)
• Septum deviation, that is, cases where the nasal cartilage is displaced and bent

To treat it properly and effectively, you need to know what is causing the postnasal drip. Simple causes of postnasal drip can be cured with simple measures. However, in cases involving a deviated septum, it would be best to consult an ENT doctor.

Can Allergies Cause Postnasal Drip?

Allergens are one of the most common causes of postnasal drip. Pollen, dust, pet hair, and similar external factors can cause allergies in some people. In such cases, symptoms such as sneezing, itching, body flushing, and excessive mucus production may occur. Symptoms in the form of excess mucus cause postnasal drip.

While seasonal allergies occur at a certain time of the year, some other allergies such as dust or pet dander can occur at any time of the year. You can use antihistamines and sprays recommended by your doctor to relieve the symptoms of allergen-induced postnasal drip. Although these medications do not offer a permanent cure, they will be very effective in alleviating symptoms and increasing your comfort in life.

What are the Symptoms of postnasal drip?

Although postnasal drip is an uncomfortable condition in itself, it is usually accompanied by some other symptoms. The most common of these symptoms can be listed as follows:

• The need for constant throat-clearing
• Dry cough, especially at night
• Sore or itchy throat
• Hoarseness or voice changes due to irritation and inflammation in the throat
• Bad breath due to bacteria accumulating in the mucus (halitosis)
• Nasal congestion or runny nose

The severity of postnasal drip symptoms may vary depending on the causative agent. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek medical help when postnasal drip does not improve with over-the-counter antihistamines.

Is Postnasal Drip Contagious?

Postnasal drip is not contagious. However, the cause that triggers postnasal drip may be contagious. Postnasal drip caused by acid reflux, allergies, or environmental irritants does not pass from person to person. However, if the cause of postnasal drip is a viral or bacterial infection, this infection may be contagious.

In cases where postnasal drip is caused by an infection, the risk of transmission can be prevented by observing hygiene rules, avoiding unnecessary contact, and following rules such as covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing.

What is Good for Postnasal Drip?

What can be done about postnasal drip may vary depending on the cause of the discharge. You can manage this process more comfortably by reducing the symptoms with small changes you can make in your life, treatments that can be applied at home, and some over-the-counter medications. We have listed below what you can do in this regard.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can thin the mucus and make it easier to clear from the throat.
• Saline Nasal Sprays: Rinsing with salt water can help remove excess mucus and irritants.
• Inhale Steam: Inhaling the steam that rises from a container of hot water can help to loosen mucus and relieve congestion.
• Antihistamine or Decongestant: If allergies are causing the postnasal drip, antihistamines can help open the nasal passages.
• Avoid Irritants: Stay away from environments with cigarette smoke and other strong odors.
• Raise your head while sleeping: Sleeping with the head slightly elevated can reduce nighttime symptoms by preventing mucus from accumulating in the throat.

If you have done all this but the problem persists or worsens, you may need to see an ENT specialist. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications such as corticosteroid sprays or may want to run different tests.

When Should I See a Doctor for Postnasal Drip?

It is best to see a doctor if the symptoms of postnasal drip persist for several weeks or worsen. In case of the following complaints, it is best to consult a doctor:

• If your postnasal drip has been going on for more than 10 days
• If postnasal drip recurs frequently
• Thick, green or foul-smelling mucus
• Fever, facial pain, or pressure sensation with postnasal drip
• Wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness
• Over-the-counter treatments are ineffective and symptoms interfere with daily life

In such cases, an ENT specialist can help identify the cause of postnasal drip and recommend appropriate treatment to get rid of persistent postnasal drip and related discomfort.