Post nasal drip is a symptom of several different issues—like allergies, medication that dries out the sinuses, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Post nasal drip is the result of mucus that has become too thick or too thin, causing the nearly constant sensation of mucus dripping down or accumulating in the back of the throat. Here is a look at how to manage post nasal drip and the coughing and sore throat that often accompany it.
Thin Mucus Treatments
When post nasal drip occurs as a result of respiratory issues (from the common cold to chronic allergies), cold and flu medications may be an effective means of managing your mucus. Antihistamines, like Benadryl or Mucinex, are extremely effective for some people. Mucus secretion is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system and is an involuntary function you normally don’t notice.
When you get a cold or are sensitive to pollen or molds in the air, the mucus glands kick into overdrive, causing the sniffles or congestion. Antihistamines actually block this part of the nervous system, inhibiting mucus production. If bacteria are the cause of the respiratory illness, a round of antibiotics may clear out the pathogens and return your nose to normal. Blowing your nose may help move mucus out, but do so gently as excessive, aggressive nose blowing can irritate the nasal tissues making your condition worse.
Thick Mucus Treatments
In addition to eradicating mucus through medication, there are other means of dealing with congestion. Overly thick mucus can be a result of a dried out nose and mucus membranes because of dry air outside (more common in the winter). Inside, running a heater can suck the moisture out of the air.
Using a saline nasal spray or nasal irrigations (water and salt or baking powder, or a neti pot) can help rehydrate those membranes. Running a humidifier in your house, particularly while sleeping, can counteract this lack of moisture. Keeping your whole body hydrated by drinking plenty of water can also help return your mucus to its normal consistency.
Swallowing Disorders and GERD
If swallowing disorders or GERD are causing your post nasal drip, these must be dealt with at the source as well. A doctor or speech pathologist can provide you with therapy to help with these issues. Certain exercises and swallowing techniques can help improve throat efficiency. Liquid diets are sometimes necessary. GERD may require prescriptions to help reduce the amount of stomach acid if over-the-counter antacids are insufficient for you.
Surgical Interventions
All the above are temporary treatments, and if you have extreme chronic rhinitis, you may be constantly attempting different methods of managing post nasal drip to find that nothing is as effective as you’d hoped.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is often effective for chronic sinus disorders. The goal of sinus surgery is to enlarge the connections between sinus and nose and improve drainage overall. Esophageal tumors are sometimes at the root of swallowing disorders, and may need to be removed surgically as well. If your post nasal drip is getting out of hand and less invasive methods are ineffective, talk to your doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist about your options.
