Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat and causes a feeling of dripping mucus. This condition can cause a chronic cough or sore throat. Postnasal drip treatment focuses on the cause of excess mucus, which can be an allergic or non-allergic rhinitis reaction. Visit a doctor to determine the cause of this condition and take the first important step in resolving the problem of postnasal drip.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Removing Allergens from the Surroundings
Step 1. Get rid of allergens present in your environment
Allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold can irritate the nasal passages and cause postnasal drip.
- Bathe pets to get rid of hair loss that can cause irritation and postnasal drip. You may also need to remove your pet from the house if the allergic reaction and postnasal drip are severe.
- Remove plants (whether flowering or not) from your home.
- Wrap unused pillows and mattresses in plastic wrap to minimize allergens while you sleep.
Step 2. Use an air purifier to remove allergens from your environment
A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which in turn will relieve irritation in the nasal passages. When the nasal passages are irritated, they produce excess mucus in response.
Step 3. Consult an allergist or take an allergy test
Chronic postnasal drip can be caused by a food allergy you didn't know about or you just got. See an allergist to see if you have an allergy to something you don't know about.
- The two main allergies are usually to gluten/wheat and dairy products. Dairy products are associated with sinus, upper respiratory, or throat problems, while wheat is usually associated with digestive tract problems.
- Since dairy products are a common allergen, try to avoid consuming them for a month. If you don't experience any changes in your symptoms, it means that dairy products are not the cause of your allergy. If your symptoms improve, you'll know that your body is reacting to dairy products by producing more urine, although research shows that there is no clear link between milk and mucus production.
Method 2 of 3: Taking Treatment on Doctor's Advice
Step 1. Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated
Dehydration can worsen symptoms of postnasal drip and rhinitis. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Water is the best choice for hydrating your body when you have rhinitis and postanasal drip.
Look at the color of your urine to see if you are drinking enough water. If your urine is yellow, you are not drinking enough water. If your urine is clear, with just a hint of yellow, you have been drinking enough water
Step 2. Blow out your nose regularly to get rid of excess mucus from your nasal passages
Doing so can also flush out irritants, which can produce excessive amounts of mucus. For mucus that doesn't clear up when you try to clear it, some people choose to suck the mucus and expel it through the back of the throat, to avoid bad breath and dry mouth.
Step 3. Rinse the nasal passages to get rid of the irritating mucus
Over-the-counter saline kits and nasal sprays can be used to do this. The saline solution will flush irritating substances out of the nasal passages, thinning mucus and clearing the nasal membranes.
Try using a Neti pot to clear mucus from the nose and back of the throat. However, be aware that by using a sinus irrigator, the antimicrobial organisms that work to get rid of bad bacteria, viruses, and fungi can also be flushed out of the nose
Step 4. Use an over-the-counter decongestant to relieve symptoms of excessive mucus buildup and postnasal drip
Swallowed decongestants will narrow the blood vessels to reduce nasal congestion. Decongestants are also available in a nasal spray.
Step 5. Only use a decongestant for three days
If your symptoms do not improve after three days, stop using the decongestant. Using decongestants for more than three days can be dangerous.
Step 6. Blow your nose with mucus-thinning medications
Medications such as guaifenesin (Mucinex) are over-the-counter and can be taken in tablet or syrup form.
Step 7. Get a prescription from your doctor to relieve irritation and mucus buildup
Doctors can prescribe corticosteroids, antihistamines and anti-drip sprays to relieve postnasal drip.
- Corticosteroid sprays will treat the inflammation that coexists with non-allergic rhinitis.
- Antihistamine sprays are effective in relieving allergic rhinitis that causes postnasal drip, but are not effective for non-allergic causes.
- Anticholinergics or anti-drip sprays are used in asthma sprays, which can also help relieve postnasal drip.
Method 3 of 3: Using Untested Natural Remedies
Step 1. Gargle with salt water
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 236 ml of warm water and gargle while lifting your head. To help get rid of more mucus, add a mixture of 1/2 lemon slices to the salt water and gargle.
Step 2. Clean your house
If allergens are threatening your sinuses, the only home treatment you need is home care. Follow these suggestions to get rid of dust, pollen and animal hair from your home before it all bites you - inside your nose.
- Wash clothes, sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses in hot water regularly. Hot water will kill the bacteria that could be causing your symptoms.
- Use a HEPA air filter in your home. HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air (particularly filtered air in its free translation) and is an air filter standard that has been tested by the government (the United States government in this case - ed.).
- Clean the air regularly with a HEPA air filter. Cleaning with a HEPA filter will ensure that any allergens present are picked up and removed during the cleaning process.
Step 3. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
These three things can cause excessive mucus production.
Step 4. Perform a steam treatment with herbs or oils
Try doing a DIY steam treatment (Do It Yourself - ed.) by covering your head with a towel and placing it a safe distance above the warm water in a container. Add a scent like tea (ginger, mint, or chamomile) or essential oil (lavender, rosemary, etc.)
Take a bath with warm water. Allow the warm steam to enter your nose and lungs while you shower
Step 5. Use lemons
You will need 3 cups of tea (or 1 large cup) and hot water. Add sugar to sweeten it and a little honey. Squeeze 1/2 of a dark green lime. Drink this concoction every morning after you wake up and before you eat. The lemon will cleanse your liver and stomach (which is full of mucus produced last night from postnasal drip), and you'll feel refreshed throughout the day.
Tips
- Do not lie down because the snot will trigger a cough.
- Do not use water that is too warm because it will trigger a cough.
Warning
- Steroid drugs can cause serious side effects in long-term use. You should ask a doctor to supervise the use of this type of drug.
- Decongestants can cause high blood pressure, heart failure, insomnia, loss of appetite, and anxiety. Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for longer than three to four days to relieve postnasal drip. This type of medication may also cause nasal congestion with symptoms that improve when discontinued.
