According to the website MayoClinic.com, common allergic reaction symptoms include nasal problems such as congestion, inflammation and sinus drainage. When the sinuses become inflamed, mucus cannot drain properly through the nose, so it begins to drip down the back of the throat, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. This condition is called postnasal dip and may result in a sore throat, upset stomach and irritation in the throat.
Approach
Postnasal drip treatment from allergies begins with addressing the allergens causing the symptoms, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. An allergist can determine the type of allergen causing the reaction in order to avoid it. For example, if a person is allergic to mold, she should remove all visible mold in and around her home and should consider using an air purifier to remove airborne mold particles from the air.
Home Care Treatment
Medline Plus states that home care treatment can assist the body in naturally reducing the amount of discharge in the back of the throat. Drinking more fluids than normal will help to thin out nasal secretions and help drain the sinus cavity more effectively. Humidity levels can be increased by using a room humidifier to moisten and sooth irritated sinuses. Saline sprays can be used to help remove excess mucus and sooth the sinuses.
Over-the-Counter Treatment
The American Academy of Otolaryngology states that over-the-counter drugs can be used to treat postnasal drip resulting from allergies. Antihistamines and decongestants can help to dry up mucus and reduce swelling in the sinuses. Antihistamines are used to manage common allergy symptoms by preventing the body from releasing histamine into the blood. Decongestants are used to reduce inflammation and help relieve nasal congestion, which helps alleviate postnasal drip. All medication should be taken while under a doctor's care.
Allergy Shot Treatment
Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, are a useful treatment for reducing allergy symptoms by slowly desensitizing the immune system to a particular allergen, according to MayoClinic.com. Allergy shots are administered over a span of three to five years and can greatly reduce a person's allergic reaction to specific substances. This in turn helps to cure postnasal drip from allergies.
Considerations
Medline Plus recommends seeing a doctor if the postnasal drip is foul smelling, follows a head injury, lasts for more than three weeks or is accompanied by a fever. Only a medical doctor can determine the cause and proper treatment for each individual case.
