How To Get Rid Of Post Nasal Drip?

Post nasal drip – most of us have heard about it and some of us even understand what it means. Symptoms include a sore throat a cough or a feeling that you need to clear your throat. The culprit in this malady is mucus, a common factor in human existence. Some people have as much as a quart or two of this liquid running down the throat in a day’s time.

This natural process is part of the cleaning process, as the nasal passages are cleansed of bacteria and other body invaders. In addition, minor blockage in the nose and the rest of the breathing system can be cleared away by natural mucus. This natural material also helps keep our bodies moist, so that the air we use to survive isn’t too dry.

Too Much!
When the mucus drainage becomes excessive and causes you to become uncomfortable you may be experiencing post nasal drip. You can start to get rid of this condition by determining if allergies are causing excess mucus or if a cold might be the true cause. Sometimes the body reacts to smoke or another type of air pollution by producing extra mucus – to keep the body tissue moist. If any of these situations apply you may have to change your lifestyle or location.

There are some self-help/home remedy steps you might be able to take. Take a close look at the conditions in your home. Is there too much house dust? Are there too many plants producing pollen that you’re allergic to? What about pets you might be allergic to? You might be able to reduce mucus production by wearing a simple mask for cleaning, gardening or lawn-mowing.

Try a basic air filter or purifier in one or two rooms. This may reduce the irritants or pollutants to a level that you can live with. If your bedding and clothing are causing respiratory problems, including post nasal drip, try switching to cotton for pillows and bedding. Take some steps to keep the in-house air clean with filters and air conditioning. Cut down the use of hair spray and perfumes. Stop smoking inside.

Treatments
You may be able to reduce some of the congestion, swelling and excess mucus by treating the nasal passages carefully with salt water. This should be a mild salt solution applied carefully with a cotton swab, for example. A teaspoon of salt in 16 ounces of water is about right. You might add a half teaspoon of baking soda for cleansing as well. If you can spray this in a mist, that’s even better.

If there are certain conditions that create post nasal drip, such as high pollen counts or too much dust, try one of the retail antihistamines to reduce congestion and sneezing. Use a decongestant to reduce swelling in the nose. If the condition persists, talk with your doctor about prescription medicines or allergy “shots.” Steroid treatment should be a last resort for almost everyone.

 Print This Page