Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
The symptoms seem to have reduced a little, but I still have the lump in my throat which is very annoying and frustrating. I find it hard to sleep sometimes, although laying down seems to make it feel a lot better than sitting up. I was using a nasal spray as well which I used for approximately 2 weeks, but I found was making me feel worse.
I find talking a lot seems to make it a lot worse as well, which makes it hard considering I work as a Customer Service Representative. Can anyone recommend anything else for me to try? Thanks.
By Mel585 from Australia
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RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
I have suffered allergies for most of my 50 years & can tell you now, that other than finding out exactly what you are allergic or sensitive to & being treated for that problem--shots or allergy tablets, is the only real solution to post nasal drip. I myself use Alavert when the various pollens & molds are really high (I only use as needed), keep my nose blown (don't blow too hard or you will damage the linings of your sinuses), & when I get that 'tickle' that makes me cough I sip at unsweetened lemon tea or water with lemon in it.
This usually keeps me from getting a sinus infection, which if not taken care of immediately, it then turns to bronchitis & then to pneumonia. It is very wise to go to the doc even when you just blow yellow from your nose as this means the start of a sinus upset--green simply means the infection is worse. I have also had the lump in my throat that is very annoying. Usually, once I took the antibiotics for the sinus infection, the lump also went away.
There are also a few medicines that I can't take because they cause a lump inside my throat. Most pharmacists, or their computer read-outs on a product, will tell you (under side effects) that if you feel a lump in your throat to contact your doctor immediately. Some long-term medicines can also cause this after being taken for a long time & the prescription has to be changed for a while.
Post by Juanita S.
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
I get these all the time. My doctor gave me a full explantation about the drip and he told me what to do so I wouldnt waste my time coming in for the same thing. The drip causes the sore throat or lump in your throat. Usually occurs when you're sleeping or can occur throughout the day. You'll know if you wake up with a sore throat. This becomes a problem if the drip turns to a cough and later can cause fluid in the lungs, or spitting up phlem. If either of these occur you should see a doc. Green phelm means infection. However in the mean time he recommended taking over the counter items to stop the drip at night ( which is when mine occurs most often) lozenges during the day so you don't feel drowsy or groggy at work. Read the box at the store to find what you need. You don't need a product that covers 50 ailments just the minimum. You can take something during the day too to open the sinuses to drain and clogging at night but that depends on what your issues are during the day. Hope this helps.
Post by kimcar09
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Can you buy Benadryl there? I've had post nasal drip for years, and it can cause such a sore throat. Benadryl is an antihistamine; it stops the drip. It's very effective for me. You can buy the generic at Wal Mart. You could experiment with other brands of antihistamines as well, to see which works best for you.
Post by carla
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
I'd see a doctor if I were you. In the meantime, here is a recipe for a drink that I really like when I have a sore throat:
Hot Lemonaide
3 cups water
2 tablespoons chopped sugared ginger*
6 whole cloves
1/3 cup lemon juice
4 tablespoons honey
Bring water to a boil, add ginger and cloves, steep for 10 minutes. Pour into a glass quart jar. Add lemon juice, honey, and enough water to fill the quart jar. Strain and serve hot. May also be kept chilled in fridge and heat as needed. Leaving the ginger and cloves in the lemonaide increases the strength.
If the pieces of ginger are large, chop in a food processor along with a few tablespoons of sugar, store in an airtight container. *Sometimes sold as crystallized ginger.
Post by Allison
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
I would go to the doctor to find out the cause. It could be allergies, or a sinus infection/inflammation.
Post by Maryeileen
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
My home remedy for post nasal drip is to stand in the shower with warm water running over the sinuses for as long as I can. This liquifies the drainage and when I step out of the shower, I blow my nose to clear my head. I do this as often as necessary but since you work, in the AM and PM should keep the drainage reduced. This gets rid of the phlegm and reduces the infection risks because you get rid of the phlegm and as much doesn't drain into your stomach. When I feel "stuffy" I immediately start the regimen to prevent a serious issue. I have reduced the number of times I've been sick during the year. Good Luck!
Post by mklema92658
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Hi Mel585 :-) The only reason I did not suggest anything other than seeing a doctor was because of concern over the lump in your throat. Now that I know it's simply phlem and that you are receiving medical care I'll tell you what I do/have done.
I have had allergies, sinus infections, etc. for most of my life (I am 55) and it gets so bad at times that I end up throwing up a few ounces of phlem that drained into my tummy (happens mostly when I wake in the morning) but what helps ease the symptoms for me is using the neti pot twice a day, a decongestant syrup only if I have a cough and I avoid humidity like the plague because it makes it worse for me personally. The other thing I avoid like the plague are antihistamines, OTC allergy remedies and OTC cold remedies. I know that sounds crazy but within just a few weeks of not using any of those things alot of the problems got much better.
Oh, and have you been tested for acid reflux? That can be a cause of post nasal drip too.
I hope something I mentioned helps and please let us know how you fair.
Post by Deeli
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
I live in Australia and I have suffered Post Nasal Drip once before, but it was approximately 9 years ago. I have been to my Doctor twice now. The first time I was diagnosed with Post Nasal Drip and after 2 weeks, I went back as my symptoms had not improved. Second time around, I have been given a referral to have a chest x-ray (to see if there is any fluid on my lungs) and also a neck and throat ultrasound (to make sure thyroid isn't a factor (my Grandmother has had her thyroid out as it was a problem for her when she was younger) and hopefully to find out once and for all what I am dealing with). I live in North Queensland, Australia where the weather is quite warm, although winter can be quite cold (compared to other parts in Australia).
Last time I had Post Nasal Drip, I was told it was because of the change in weather and I feel it could be the same this time around. The "lump" in my throat I feel is full of phlegm (flem) and I can't find a way to bring it up, even with decongestant cough syrup. I am going tomorrow to get an x-ray of my chest and ultrasound of my neck and throat, and I'm praying it's nothing more than Post Nasal Drip.
I have a humidifier in my room at the moment so I'm currently using:-
* Humidifier
* Decongestant cough syrup
* Nasonex (steriod nasal spray)
* Sinus Cleanse (saline nasal solution)
* Vicks vaporub
* Listerine
* Strepsils
I think that's about it - I'm prepared to try anything in order to take it away (except surgery, if it can be avoided). I have a referral to an ENT which I won't be able to get into for 2-3 months at this stage, so I have to use what I have until that time.
Can anyone please recommend anything else I can use in the mean time? Thanks! =)
Post by Mel585
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
We are in a bad heat wave and I, too am suffering in much the same manner. however, I had so much surgery as a baby and toddler my parents decided not to remove my tonsils (God, I wish they had had them removed!) and they swell up, esp. on one side, my left side-perhaps because I sleep more on that side. So my tonsils inflame and they invoke my sinuses. most of my sinus issues are right on waking and up to an hour afterward, going from one environment, the bedroom, to another, the living room, then the garden. heat, fan and air conditioner all blow different irritants. about the time duration that it takes for me to rise and get to the garden.
I start draining-whether or not I get to the garden by then. there is some mold on the bedroom wall, we live on a dusty dirt road, it's pollen time for some things (August in S. Oregon) and we have 4 cats. I have had nose bleeds since moving here 7 and a half years ago, mild ones, but my suspicions are that I am 1) unhappy in the mountains having lived half of my life on the beach, and 2) allergic to this area because it is so very different from where I came from. so if you have moved within the past 10 years, it could be environmental.
Also, and not likely in this instance but I'll put this out there, people who have an auto accident where their head has hit the windshield sometimes have undiscovered shattered sinus cavities. once the cavity is shattered, it remains swollen and irritated, and will continue to flow no matter what is tried. which takes us back to the doctor. always the best thing, I'm seeing mine next month.
Post by nekocat
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
With your mentioning of the lump in your throat (and the duration of this nasal drip) I really think you should see a doctor.
Post by Deeli
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Besides seeing and ear, nose, throat specialist, which should be at the top of your list. You can try Nasal Crom if it is avail where you live. It is a nasal spray avail over the counter. In USA it is $7-$14 at Walmart, 2 different sizes. It can be used every 4 hours, and has no rebound or 'addictive' properties like Afrin type sprays do.
The active ingredient is cromolin sodium, which was used in breathing treatments for asthma.
Best of luck to you, but do try the doctor first if at all possible. There are many serious health problems that could be the cause of your condition.
Post by fatboyslimsmom
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Any idea what was origin? Sometimes it's dust overload on something, inside or out. Something in blossom, new detergent, cologne? Is there mold in something in the room where you work? As in a blower?
Post by PIKKA
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Try an over the counter antihistamine like Benadryl or it's generic equivalent. It dries up the secretions.
Post by OliveOyl
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