


Post-nasal drip occurs when you feel this excess mucus draining down the back of your throat.Ĭonditions that can lead to post-nasal drip include but are not limited to: When your sinuses encounter an excess or irritants or are inflamed by an infection, they produce extra mucus. Your body naturally produces mucus to help keep out irritants and allergens and keep your sinuses lubricated. Why do I always have post-nasal drip?īelieve it or not, post-nasal drip is a sign that your body is working hard to get healthy.

Learn about the primary triggers for chronic post-nasal drip and today’s top treatment options. The key to treating chronic post-nasal drip? Identifying what irritant or infection is causing your body to produce excess mucus. And whether your chronic post-nasal drip takes the form of a sore throat, the occasional cough and itchy ears, or a persistent cough with a sinus infection, it’s natural to want to get rid of chronic post-nasal drip and its attendant symptoms as quickly as possible. Stomach flu vs.If you suffer from other chronic sinus conditions, it is possible to experience chronic post-nasal drip.If you have persistent post nasal drip you might have an underlying medical condition - like allergies or reflux - that needs independent management. If you are suddenly experiencing post nasal drip, at-home remedies like proper hydration, sleeping on propped up pillows, and using a neti pot can all help. Post nasal drip is a symptom of conditions ranging from the common cold to allergies, to gastrointestinal reflux. If you have itchy eyes and nose then you may have seasonal allergies," he says. If you have indigestion or heartburn then you may have acid reflux.

"If post nasal drip is accompanied by facial pain or pressure and loss of smell then you may have a sinus infection requiring antibiotics. Likewise, you should see a doctor if you have a fever since that can indicate an infection. If you have tried over-the-counter and home remedies for a few days without improvement or you have post nasal drip that lasts longer than a week, you should seek medical attention, Thompson says. If you have a persistent post nasal drip, a doctor can help you identify the cause of the condition and treat it. With less mucus in your nose, you'll have less post nasal drip. Corticosteroid nasal sprays and nasal antihistamine sprays both decrease inflammation and reduce allergic response. If your post nasal drip is caused by allergies, a prescription nasal spray is a first-line treatment, Thompson says. "This can lead to worsened congestion, post nasal drip, and nasal obstruction," he says. However, they shouldn't be used for more than three days at a time, Thompson says, because they can cause rebound congestion, where mucus builds up when the medication wears off. Nasal decongestants, like Afrin, are sprays that constrict the blood vessels just in the nose. "Also, saline irrigations moisturize the nasal cavity and reduce the symptom of post nasal drip." "Saline irrigations help flush out excess and thick mucus," Thompson says. Nasal irrigation with saline is highly recommended to combat post nasal drip. In addition to treating the cause, some remedies can help specifically with post nasal drip, Thompson says. It's important to address the underlying condition in order to treat post nasal drip. For example, it's easier to resolve postnasal drip caused by spicy foods than it is to kick a sinus infection. The treatment for your post nasal drip will depend on what's causing it. Spicy foods: In response to spiciness, many people's bodies release extra mucus, which can lead to post nasal drip.Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the increase in hormones can trigger swelling of the nasal glands, causing roughly one-third of women to experience post nasal drip.Sinus infections: Runny and stuffy noses are common symptoms of a sinus infection and can cause post nasal drip.Reflux: Post nasal drip is a major symptom of laryngopharyngeal reflux, a condition where stomach acid rises into the throat, Thompson says.Allergies and irritants in the air: Allergens and other irritants can cause more mucus in your nose, which is linked to postnasal drip.A common cold: A common cold causes excess mucus to fill your nose, which often leads to post nasal drip.This can happen for a variety of reasons, including the following: Post nasal drip occurs when nasal glands either secrete more mucus than normal, or thicker mucus.
