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Treatments for post-nasal drip
You thought it would never end: that tickle in the back of your throat that made you cough or have to clear your throat. It's been going on for months. And now you know why: post-nasal drip. It's a common diagnosis. It can happen for a number of reasons: allergies, viral infections (including the common cold), sinus infections, irritants in the air (such as fumes or dust). Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications. Temporary – and normal – causes of post-nasal drip includes certain weather conditions (especially cold, dry air) and spicy foods.
Whatever the cause, the problem is a steady trickle of mucus from the back of the sinuses that irritates the throat and nagging cough or other symptoms.
How to stop post nasal drip
Now that you have an official diagnosis, what can you do to stop post nasal drip? There are a number of treatment options, including home remedies and over-the-counter medications:
- A humidifier or steam inhalation (as during a hot shower)
- Keeping well-hydrated (to keep the mucus thinner)
- Sleep on propped up pillows, to keep the mucus from collecting at the back of your throat
- Nasal irrigation (available over-the-counter)
- An oral decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine (as in Sudafed)
- Guaifenesin (as in Mucinex), a medication that can thin the mucus
- An antihistamine, such as
- diphenhydramine, as in Benadryl
- chlorpheniramine, as in Chlor-Trimeton
- loratadine, as in Claritin or Alavert
- fexofenadine (Allegra)
- cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- levocetirizine (Xyzal)
- desloratadine (Clarinex)
- A nasal decongestant such as oxymetazoline (contained in Afrin) which constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages; this leads to less secretions. Such medications should only be taken for a day or two; longer-term use can cause more harm than good)
Keep in mind that many of these medications are combined in over-the-counter products. For example, there are some formulations of pseudoephedrine along with additional drugs, such as antihistamines. While these combinations can be effective, it's important to read the label and avoid taking too much of any active ingredient.
What about prescription treatments?
If these approaches aren't effective in stopping post nasal drip, prescription treatments may be the next best steps, including:
- A nasal steroid spray (such as beclomethasone/Beconase or triamcinolone/Nasacort)
- Ipratropium (Atrovent) nasal spray which inhibits secretions (such as mucus)
Other treatments depend on the cause of the post-nasal drip. Antibiotics are not usually helpful, so they aren't usually prescribed for post-nasal drip (unless the symptoms are due to bacterial infection of the sinuses). For allergies, dusting and vacuuming often, covering your mattresses and pillowcases, and a special air filter can help reduce exposure to allergy triggers.
What about chicken soup?
If you've been told that chicken soup helps with post-nasal drip (or other symptoms of a cold or flu), it's true! But it doesn't actually have to be chicken soup - any hot liquid can help thin the mucus and help you maintain hydration.
When should I call a doctor?
In most cases, post-nasal drip is annoying but not dangerous. However, you should contact your doctor if you have:
- Unexplained fever
- Persistent bloody mucus
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Foul smelling drainage
- Persistent symptoms despite treatment
The bad news/good news about post-nasal drip
Post-nasal drip is among the most common causes of persistent cough, hoarseness, sore throat and other annoying symptoms. It can be caused by a number of conditions and may linger for weeks or months. That's the bad news. The good news is that most of the causes can be quickly identified and will improve with treatment.
Image: Cecilie_Arcurs/Getty Images
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Plantar warts: Options for treating this common foot condition

Nutritional yeast: Does this savory, vegan seasoning pack a nutritional punch?

Salmonella is sneaky: Watch out

Two jobs may lower the odds of dying from Alzheimer's disease — but why?

Mastitis: What to do when your breasts are painfully inflamed

How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals

UTI in older women: Why postmenopausal women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, and what to do about it

Can a routine vaccine prevent dementia?

Some adults may need a measles booster shot. Who should get one and why?

Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?
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