It can be extremely annoying to have a persistent 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. Usually, post-nasal drip is caused by an excess of mucus. This is a really common condition and it is possible to get relief from it.
What triggers post-nasal drip?
Mucus is indispensable for safeguarding our nose and throat from infections. However, when the body creates too much mucus, it frequently drips down the back of the throat, leading to post-nasal drip.
A number of conditions can cause post-nasal drip, including the common cold, sinus infections, and allergies. Congestion and post-nasal drip can also be the result of swelling of the nasal passages caused by airborne irritants, allergies, and viral or bacterial infections.
Other things that can lead to post-nasal drip include:
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can lead to increased mucus.
- Spicy foods: Spicy foods can temporarily boost mucus production.
- Certain medications: Medications, including high blood pressure medicine and birth control pills, can boost the production of mucus.
- Cold and dry air: These conditions can trigger mucus production.
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): This condition can cause stomach acids to back up into the throat, increasing the production of mucus.
- Aging: As we get older, our bodies might produce more mucus.
- Bright lights: Mucus is, for some individuals, triggered by really bright light.
Post-nasal drip is an occasional annoyance for most people but others may experience it chronically. Getting some advice from an ENT specialist is the best course of action when this happens.
Common post-nasal drip symptoms
Post-nasal drip can manifest with various symptoms, the most common of which include:
- Frequent swallowing: Frequently due to excess mucus.
- Throat clearing: Needing to constantly clear the throat.
- Bad breath: When mucus builds up, bad breath can be the result.
- Sore throat: Persistent irritation in the throat.
- Coughing: Coughing can be especially frustrating at night.
In some cases, when post-nasal drip mucus enters the stomach, nausea and vomiting can happen. Painful ear infections can also occur when the eustachian tubes (tubes that connect the throat and nose to the middle ear) become obstructed.
Effective treatments for post-nasal drip
Both at-home and professional treatments can help relieve post-nasal drip.
Home remedies
- Nasal irrigation: Using a saline solution can help eliminate mucus.
- Elevate your head: You can prevent mucus from pooling up in your throat by raising your head while you sleep.
- Stay hydrated: Drink a lot of water and hot liquids to thin out the mucus.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Antihistamines including Claritin, Xyzal, Allegra, and Zyrtec, as well as decongestants like Sudafed, can be helpful. Mucinex and Benadryl are also popular choices.
- Use humidifiers and nasal steamers: You can stop mucus from thickening by adding moisture to the air.
- Avoid caffeine and diuretics: Thicker mucus and dehydration can be the result of consuming these substances.
Be certain to only use OTC medications in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
When is it time for expert assistance?
If at-home solutions and OTC medicines don’t offer relief, it’s essential to consult with an ENT specialist. Treatment options will depend on the root cause but may include prescription-strength nasal sprays or other targeted therapies.
Preventing post-nasal drip
Taking preventive measures can help reduce the frequency of post-nasal drip:
- Keep a clean environment: Maintain a clean, dust-free home.
- Avoid allergens: Allergens that activate symptoms should be avoided when possible.
- Use daily allergy medications: Sometimes, taking a daily allergy pill can be helpful.
- Shower at night: Particularly if you’ve been outdoors during the day, to remove allergens.
- Change filters regularly: Keep clean air circulating by replacing any HVAC filters when they need it.
If you suffer from chronic post-nasal drip or if over-the-counter medications are not helping, call us today to explore treatment.