It can be incredibly aggravating to have a constant tickle in the back of your throat. No amount of coughing or throat clearing seems to do any good, and in some cases, you develop a sore throat and hoarseness. You don’t feel sick, but something is definitely amiss. The likely cause is an excess of mucus, triggering post-nasal drip. Here’s how you can understand and get relief from this common condition.
How is post-nasal drip triggered?
Your nose and throat require mucus for its own protection. However, when the body creates excessive mucus, it often drips down the back of the throat, resulting in post-nasal drip.
A number of conditions can lead to post-nasal drip, including the common cold, sinus infections, and allergies. Congestion and post-nasal drip can also be the outcome of inflammation of the nasal passages caused by airborne irritants, allergies, and viral or bacterial infections.
Other factors that can contribute to post-nasal drip include:
- Bright lights: Some people may find that exposure to bright lights stimulates a reflex boost in mucus.
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): Mucus production can be increased when stomach acids back up into the throat due to GERD.
- Cold and dry air: These conditions can activate the production of mucus.
- Pregnancy: Increased mucus production can be caused by hormonal changes.
- Aging: Our bodies will produce more mucus as we get older.
- Spicy foods: These can temporarily boost mucus production.
- Certain medications: Birth control pills and high blood pressure medications can trigger post-nasal drip.
Post-nasal drip is an occasional annoyance for most people but others might experience it chronically. Getting some advice from an ENT specialist is the best strategy when this happens.
Prevalent symptoms of post-nasal drip
Here are some of the most common post-nasal drip symptoms:
- Frequent swallowing: Frequently because of excess mucus.
- Coughing: Especially noticeable at night.
- Sore throat: Chronic irritation in the throat.
- Throat clearing: A constant need to clear the throat.
- Bad breath: Caused by the build-up of mucus.
In severe cases, post-nasal drip can result in nausea and vomiting because of mucus entering the stomach. In addition, if the Eustachian tubes (connecting the nose and throat to the middle ear) become obstructed, it can lead to painful ear infections.
Practical treatments for post-nasal drip
Post-nasal drip can be alleviated by both prescription and at-home remedies.
Home remedies
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Antihistamines including Claritin, Xyzal, Allegra, and Zyrtec, as well as decongestants including Sudafed, can be useful. Other popular options include Mucinex and Benadryl.
- Stay hydrated: Thin out mucus by drinking a lot of water and other hot liquids.
- Elevate your head: You can stop mucus from pooling up in your throat by elevating your head while you sleep.
- Use humidifiers and nasal steamers: You can prevent mucus from thickening by adding moisture to the air.
- Nasal irrigation: Mucus can be cleared out with a saline solution.
- Avoid caffeine and diuretics: These can cause dehydration and thicker mucus.
Always follow the directions for OTC medications and follow recommended usage durations.
When is it time for professional assistance?
You should definitely contact us if OTC medications and at-home solutions aren’t helping. Treatment strategies will depend on the underlying cause but might include prescription-strength nasal sprays or other targeted solutions.
How can you prevent post-nasal drip
Taking preventive measures can help reduce the frequency of post-nasal drip:
- Shower at night: Particularly if you’ve been outdoors during the day, to remove allergens.
- Use daily allergy medications: In some cases, taking a daily allergy pill can be helpful.
- Avoid allergens: Allergens that trigger symptoms should be avoided when possible.
- Change filters regularly: Keep clean air circulating by swapping out any HVAC filters when they need it.
- Keep a clean environment: Keep your home as clean and free of dust as possible.
Contact us today so we can help you with chronic post-nasal drip especially if OTC solutions aren’t helping.