Postnasal Drip

The lining of your upper respiratory passages (your nose and sinuses) make mucus, a protective coating that moisturizes the passages and helps trap foreign particles that you inhale.  You usually swallow this mucus and the particles it carries. When you produce excess mucus as the result of an infection, allergy, irritant or even cold temperatures, you may notice this mucus in the back of the throat and feel the need to clear your throat to get rid of it. This process is called "postnasal drip." A cold or allergy can cause the irritation that leads to postnasal drip. When it's related to allergies, it's called an allergic postnasal drip. The allergy causes a cough or cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion or stuffiness. Some people develop a postnasal drip when exposed to chemical fumes. Postnasal drip commonly triggers a chronic cough. The excess mucus in the back of the throat causes a person to cough in an effort to clear it.

What to Do

Talk to your doctor if the postnasal drip continues for more than 10 days. Your postnasal drip may be caused by a bacterial infection, and your doctor may need to prescribe an antibiotic. Also talk to your doctor if you have a fever; if you are coughing up blood; if the mucus or phlegm is green (this may be a sign of a bacterial infection); if you have chest pain; if you are wheezing or short of breath; if you have an earache; if you have swollen glands; or if you think your postnasal drip is caused by an allergy.

Use Medicine Effectively

For an allergy, your doctor may prescribe nasal steroids to treat the symptoms. Otherwise, take over-the-counter (OTC) medications for cough, cold or allergies. Use OTC nasal sprays. Steroid nasal sprays can help decrease the amount of mucus. Salt-water (saline) nose drops can help ease the nasal symptoms. If you use an OTC decongestant nasal spray, be sure not to use it longer than three to five days. Using the spray for a longer time may cause your congestion to return when you stop the spray.

Self-care Steps for Postnasal Drip

• When lying down, try to keep your head propped up. This stops the fluid from dripping down the back of your throat.

• If it is an allergic postnasal drip, take measures to avoid exposure to allergens to which you are sensitive. For those allergic to dust, covering mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers can help. Using special air or vacuum filters can help to get cut down on objects that may cause an allergic response in some people.

• Drink fluids and use a humidifier to keep mucus thin so it can be eliminated more easily.