If your post-nasal drip is caused by hay fever, then antihistamines, decongestant medicines and steroid nasal sprays can help relieve your symptoms. A saline nasal spray can also help. Show
You can prevent hay fever by avoiding substances you are allergic to. If you don’t know what you are allergic to, speak with your doctor who can refer you for allergy tests. If your post-nasal drip is caused by sinusitis from a bacterial infection, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. If your post-nasal drip is caused by reflux or asthma, you should talk with your doctor about treatment. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. When excess mucus builds up and drips down the back of your throat, it’s called postnasal drip. In addition to feeling like mucus is draining down your throat, symptoms of postnasal drip include cough, the urge to clear your throat and hoarseness. Postnasal drip has many causes, including allergies, infections, pregnancy, medications and GERD.
OverviewWhat is postnasal drip?Postnasal drip is when more mucus than normal gathers and drips down the back of your throat. You may feel like you have a tickle in the back of your throat. Postnasal drip can be a bothersome condition that can lead to a chronic cough. The glands in your nose and throat are constantly making mucus. This is normal. These glands produce one to two quarts of mucus per day. Mucus has many important functions, such as:
You normally swallow mucus unconsciously. You don't notice it because it mixes with your saliva and drips harmlessly down the back of your throat. But when you feel like mucus is gathering in your throat or dripping from the back of your nose, it becomes more obvious. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of postnasal drip?Postnasal drip can cause an irritated sore throat. Your tonsils and other tissues in your throat may swell up, leading to discomfort. You may feel like there’s a lump in the back of your throat. Other symptoms of postnasal drip may include:
Postnasal drip can also cause painful ear infections if mucus clogs up your Eustachian tubes. Your Eustachian tubes are what connect your nose and throat to your middle ears. What causes postnasal drip?You can get postnasal drip for many different reasons. One of the most frequent causes of postnasal drip is allergies, which is often called allergic postnasal drip. Another cause is a deviated septum. If you have a deviated septum, it means the wall of cartilage between your nostrils (septum) is crooked. The misplaced structure of your nose makes one of your nasal passages smaller than the other. This can prevent mucus from draining properly and can lead to postnasal drip. Other postnasal drip causes may include:
Is postnasal drip contagious?Postnasal drip itself isn’t contagious. But the cause of it may be contagious. For example, if you develop postnasal drip because of a viral infection such as a cold, you could pass the virus on to someone else. Diagnosis and TestsHow is postnasal drip diagnosed?Your healthcare provider may diagnose postnasal drip by performing a physical exam of your ears, nose and throat. They may use a special camera called an endoscope to look inside of your nose and throat. This procedure is called a nasal endoscopy. They may also order X-rays. Management and TreatmentHow is postnasal drip treated?Postnasal drip can be hard to cure. Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. For common colds and flu, you can try drinking warm liquids like soup or tea to help thin out the excess mucus. Along with drinking plenty of water, these home remedies will also keep you hydrated. Other treatment options may include: AllergiesTo fix postnasal drip due to allergies, you should avoid things you’re allergic to. Symptom relief may include medicines like:
In addition, immunotherapy with allergy shots or drops under your tongue may be a good remedy for the condition. Deviated septumIf you have a deviated septum, you may need a surgery called a septoplasty to permanently treat postnasal drip. Septoplasty straightens your septum and provides better airflow. Bacterial infectionsTo get rid of postnasal drip due to a bacterial infection, your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications, including:
If postnasal drip is due to chronic sinusitis, your healthcare provider may recommend sinus surgery. Sinus surgery can open your blocked sinuses. Chronic acid refluxTreatment for postnasal drip caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) may include:
PreventionHow can I prevent postnasal drip?One way to prevent postnasal drip is by reducing your exposure to things you’re allergic to as much as possible. Ways to prevent the condition may include:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have postnasal drip?Postnasal drip is very common and has many different causes. While the condition isn’t usually serious, it can be annoying. With some over-the-counter medications and other home remedies, it should clear up on its own. If you have repeated cases of postnasal drip or other symptoms along with it, reach out to your healthcare provider. You may have a bacterial infection or other condition that requires medical care. Living WithHow do I take care of myself if I have postnasal drip?There are many things you can do at home to help clear up your postnasal drip. You may need more fluids to thin out your secretions. Home remedies may include:
You can also try a mucus-thinning medication (expectorant) such as guaifenesin (Mucinex®). These may make your secretions thinner. Saline nasal irrigations lessen thickened secretions. Saline nasal sprays can help moisten your nose. When should I see my healthcare provider?If you’ve taken steps to clear up your postnasal drip and they’re not working, call your healthcare provider. You may have a bacterial infection that needs an antibiotic. Symptoms of a bacterial infection may include:
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
A note from Cleveland Clinic Postnasal drip can be annoying, but it’s typically harmless. Most of the time, you can treat the condition with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medications. If you develop additional symptoms or your postnasal drip doesn’t clear up within a couple of weeks, call your healthcare provider. They can help determine if you have something that requires additional medication or other treatment. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/19/2022. References
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What is the best allergy pill for postOTC Medicine for Post-Nasal Drip. Oxymetazoline (Afrin, Drixoral). Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). Is Zyrtec good for postPostnasal drip caused by allergies can be managed with OTC antihistamines and decongestants. Note that older antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton can actually thicken mucus; instead, try Claritin, Alavert, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal or Clarinex.
Does allergy medicine help with postAntihistamines and decongestants can often help with postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections. They can also be effective, along with steroid nasal sprays, for postnasal drip caused by allergies.
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