The common cold, a sinus infection, or allergies can cause post-nasal drip.
Finding the right post-nasal drip treatment will depend on why you have the condition.
Having thick mucus can be uncomfortable and can affect your breathing.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Thinning out the mucus can reduce blockages and lower your risk of sinus or ear infections.
Drinking enough fluids can help keep the mucus thin.
Checking the color of your urine is an easy way to tellif you’re well hydrated.
Your urine should be a pale yellow (“straw”) color.
Darker urine can be asign of dehydration.
The chemicals in cigarettes can irritate your nasal passages and cause mucus to build up.
This is the case whether you are a smoker or areexposed to secondhand smoke.
Dry air can worsen postnasal drip symptoms.
The mist from a humidifier helps to moisten the tissues inside your sinuses and thin the secretions.
On another note, some people find dairy products like milk and yogurt make post-nasal drip worse.
Some people find thatthe steam helps to decongest their sinuses.
The warm air can also help moisturize dry sinuses and airways.
Over-the-Counter Therapies
you might getover-the-counter (OTC) treatmentsfor post-nasal drip at the pharmacy without a prescription.
Neti Pot
Some people use aneti potas a home treatment for post-nasal drip.
Nasal irrigationinvolves using a sterile salt-water rinse to clear your nasal passages.
A neti pot is a useful tool for this purpose.
It’s usually made of ceramic or plastic and looks like a flattened teapot.
Use asterile saline solution for the rinse.
Do not use tap water or any liquid that is not sterile in your neti pot.
Gargling with warm salt water may help clear mucus from the back of your throat.
It’s also a classichome remedy for a sore throat.
The water does not need to be sterile like it does with a neti pot.
You’ll want to see your provider.
They can help you find a better post-nasal drip treatment that addresses the cause of your symptoms.
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