It’s normal for sinuses to drain mucus into the throat throughout the day; generally, it isn’t noticeable and the secretions are unconsciously swallowed. However, colds, flu, allergies, swallowing disorders and even reflux can cause mucus to build up in the throat. When this condition results in irritation, sore throat and coughing, it is called post-nasal drip. Treatment for post-nasal drip depends on its cause.
Post-nasal Drip Due to Bacterial Infection
Nasal sinuses can become inflamed for a variety of reasons, including colds, allergies and environmental factors. Persistent sinusitis may allow an infection to develop in the sinuses. Infections that have a bacterial source can be treated with antibiotics. Viral infections—and this includes the common cold—cannot be treated with antibiotics, though, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis before starting a course of antibiotics, according to the American Rhinologic Society, which goes on to note that a physician may recommend oral decongestants, mucus thinning drugs, topical nasal steroids, systemic steroids and nasal saline washes before prescribing an antibiotic to treat sinusitis and post-nasal drip.
Post-nasal Drip Due to Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of nasal congestion, and so also of post-nasal drip, according to the Cleveland Clinic’s online guide to hay fever, or allergic rhinitis. For some people, allergies are seasonal, but for many, they persist year-round, often accompanied by sneezing, coughing, sore throat and continual post-nasal drip. Treatment for post-nasal drip related to seasonal allergies starts with avoiding the allergen as much as possible: place a filter on the air conditioner or wear a face mask for outdoor activities.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms, including post-nasal drip, can usually be effectively treated through medications, such as antihistamines, topical nasal steroids and decongestants. Some of these drugs require a prescription, while others are available over-the-counter. National Jewish Health’s Sinusitis Web page recommends a nasal saline wash to help treat all forms of sinusitis and rhinitis, but especially before using a nasal steroid spray.
Post-nasal Drip Due to Swallowing Problems
Some people have difficulty with swallowing, either due to aging structures in the throat or possibly due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Because of this, they have difficulty clearing mucus from their throats and may experience additional post-nasal drip-type symptoms, such as sore throat, hoarseness and coughing. Unfortunately, these symptoms often worsen at night, when the person is lying down. Elevating the head of the bed a few inches, not eating or drinking anything for a couple hours before going to bed, or, in the case of reflux, taking antacids, may help reduce mucus secretions and post-nasal drip.
For people who have trouble with mucus that is too thick and hard to clear out of the throat, drinking more fluids throughout the day, and avoiding diuretics and caffeine should help thin out the secretions. The American Academy of Otolaryngology also suggests using guaifenesin or other mucus-thinning agents, which can be found in medications such as Robitussin or Humibid. Many people find relief by using nasal washes to help thin mucus.
