Home Remedies and Herbs for Post-nasal Drip

Post-nasal drip, or post-nasal drip syndrome, is a condition that occurs when mucus secretions from the sinuses drain into the throat.¹ Your body naturally produces mucus in order to fight infections and moisten the nasal passages.² Excess mucus that drips down your throat can lead to complications like sore throat, laryngitis, bad breath, and wheezing.¹ Post-nasal drip is one of the most common causes of chronic cough.² 

Most of the time, post-nasal drip is nothing to worry about and will clear up on its own. Patients who frequently experience post-nasal drip may be able to take steps to prevent it, such as by avoiding allergens or irritants.

What Causes Post-Nasal Drip?

Post-nasal drip causes are vast and may include:

• Hay fever, or seasonal allergies, which causes inflammation inside the nose
• Sinusitis, which refers to inflammation and infection of the nose caused by various viruses or bacteria
• Deviated septum, which is an abnormality in the center section of the nose that can narrow nasal passageways and prevent proper mucus drainage
• Changes in weather, such as cold temperatures or dry weather
• Certain medications, such as some forms of birth control and some blood pressure medications
• Spicy foods
• Pregnancy

Dehydration and irritants like cigarette smoke may make post-nasal drip symptoms worse.⁴

Post-Nasal Drip Symptoms

Symptoms of post-nasal drip syndrome include:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• “Tickle” in the throat
• Nausea
• Runny nose
• Bad breath

Individuals with post-nasal drip may feel a constant need to swallow or clear their throat.⁴ In cases where post-nasal drip syndrome is caused by a bacterial infection, additional symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Discolored or bloody mucus
• Mucus with a strong odor

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these signs of an infection or if your post-nasal drip symptoms persist for longer than 10 days. 

In many cases, these post-nasal drip symptoms clear up on their own. However, depending on the cause, medical attention may be required. Your doctor might prescribe antihistamines if you are experiencing post-nasal drip due to allergies, or you may need prescription antibiotics to treat an infection. If post-nasal drip is caused by a deviated septum, surgery may be required.

Over-the-counter medications or natural post-nasal drip herbal remedies can also help relieve symptoms. Be sure to drink plenty of water as this can help thin out the mucus and provide comfort and relief. 

References

1. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/stp1812
2. http://www.healthline.com/health/postnasal-drip#overview1
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3332192/
4. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/post-nasal-drip
5. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/sinusitis