What is the best medicine to stop post-nasal drip?

Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip. Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) can work to get rid of postnasal drip.

How do I get rid of constant post-nasal drip?

Postnasal drip home remedies

1. Prop up your head. Elevate your head to let gravity drain mucus from your nasal passages.
2. Drink fluids, especially hot fluids. Drink a lot of fluids to thin out mucus.
3. Gargle saltwater.
4. Inhale steam.
5. Use a humidifier.
6. Nasal rinse.
7. Avoid alcohol and cigarette smoke.
8. GERD home remedies.

How do you test for post-nasal drip?

In addition to the sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat, symptoms of postnasal drip include:

1. sore or scratchy throat.
2. feelings of nausea caused by extra mucus in the stomach.
3. frequently clearing the throat.
4. excessive spitting up or swallowing mucus.
5. foul breath.
6. a cough that gets worse at night.

What happens if post-nasal drip is left untreated?

Most cases of post-nasal drip go away with time, but long-lasting, untreated post-nasal drip and excess mucus can create a breeding ground for germs, which in turn can lead to additional health complications, including sinus infections and ear infections.

What foods stop post-nasal drip?

Cut back on dairy products – Many people suffering from post-nasal drip swear that giving up or at least cutting back on dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese reduces mucus production and eases their symptoms.

How quickly does flonase work for post-nasal drip?

Most achieve relief within 12 hours of starting their FLONASE product. But remember, it’s important to keep using it every day during allergy season as it takes three to four days before FLONASE products build up to full effectiveness—which means once a day allergy symptom relief.

How do I stop post-nasal drip while sleeping?

Now what?

1. A humidifier or steam inhalation (as during a hot shower)
2. Keeping well-hydrated (to keep the mucus thinner)
3. Sleep on propped up pillows, to keep the mucus from collecting at the back of your throat.
4. Nasal irrigation (available over-the-counter)

Can you have post-nasal drip for years?

It’s a common symptom of colds and other respiratory infections or allergies that have respiratory effects. Virtually everyone experiences post-nasal drip from time to time. For an unfortunate few, however, post-nasal drip can become a chronic condition.

How long can a post-nasal drip last?

How long can post-nasal drip last? Efforts to treat post-nasal drip should be taken early on. However, symptoms of severe post-nasal drip may linger for weeks or months. If early treatments fail or symptoms increase after 10 days, you may need to visit your doctor.

Can post-nasal drip be cured?

Post-nasal drip can be difficult to cure, and treatment varies according to the cause: Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, nasal spray, decongestants, and nasal saline irrigations. For chronic sinusitis, surgery to open the blocked sinuses may be required.

What drinks help with post-nasal drip?

Drink plenty of water because staying hydrated can thin the thickened mucus. Also, avoid dehydrating beverages, such as anything with caffeine or alcohol. Use a humidifier next to your bed at night or take hot, steamy showers. To loosen the thick mucus, breathe warm, moist air.

Is coffee good for post-nasal drip?

Drinking more water, eliminating caffeine, and avoiding diuretics (medications that increase urination) will help. Mucous-thinning agents such as guaifenesin (Humibid®, Robitussin®) may also thin secretions. Nasal irrigations may alleviate thickened secretions.