A constant post-nasal drip can be the cause of an irritating chronic cough that is often worse at night. According to the Cleveland Clinic, post-nasal drip, or hyper-reflexive rhinopathy, is the result of excessive secretions of mucus that drain down the back of throat. This constant drainage irritates the throat and produces a cough. To treat the resultant cough properly, the source of the post-nasal drip must be treated. The condition should be assessed by a medical professional before beginning any treatment.
Antibiotics
Sinusitis is a bacterial infection of the sinuses. Nasal discharge from a sinusitis is generally thick and bad tasting. The nasal passages become blocked, and the mucus drips down the back of the throat, causing a sore throat and a persistent cough. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, bacterial sinusitis is best treated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. The side effects of most antibiotics include headache, stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea.
Antihistamines
A post-nasal drip may result as part of an allergic condition, such as hay fever or asthma. According to FamilyDoctor.org, an allergy causes your body to release histamine, which causes the tissues in the nasal passages to leak fluid. Antihistamines work by blocking the production of histamine and decreasing the symptoms. The antihistamines include diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine and loratadine. Some of the side effects of antihistamines include headache, dry nasal passages and drowsiness.
Decongestants
A common viral cold can cause a runny nose, which can lead to a post-nasal drip. According to Medline Plus, a decongestant can be helpful in clearing congested nasal passages by breaking the mucus down. This aids in stopping a post-nasal drip and its associated cough. The over-the-counter decongestants are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. Their side effects include nervousness, dizziness and insomnia.
Steroids
Irritated nasal passages can become inflamed and blocked off, creating a post-nasal drip and a chronic cough. According to FamilyDoctor.org, steroid sprays can be beneficial in treating a post nasal drip, but they need to be taken for at least two weeks for them to become effective. There is a variety of prescription steroid sprays available to reduce inflammation and alleviate post-nasal drip, which quiets the cough. These medications include fluticasone and beconase. Steroid therapy should always be monitored closely by a medical professional. Side effects include agitation, headache, nose bleed and nasal burning.
