I have been suffering from post nasal drip for the last 3 weeks. I am currently using a nasal wash (saline), Vicks Vapour Rub, a decongestant cough syrup, garlic, C and Horseradish tablets (Nature's Own), and I have also started drinking a lot more water.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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:-
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! =)
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.
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.
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?
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Request: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip (08/16/2009)
I have a major problem with post nasal drip and have tried everything over the counter. I have been to the doctor 2 times and nothing he gave me helped. What can I do? It's driving me nuts.
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Request: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Archived on 08/16/2009
I have a major problem with post nasal drip and have tried everything over the counter. I have been to the doctor 2 times and nothing he gave me helped. What can I do? it's driving me nuts.
Julie from Watertown, NY
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RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Go to a Chiropractor, a good one. I work for one and was a patient years ago. You would be amazed at what will work once your spine is in line. Make sure he/she is Principled Chiropractic though. (01/17/2006)
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
I sympathize completely because I suffer from the same problem. The only thing I've ever found to help is to drink lots and lots and lots of water. Still doesn't cure it, but it does help a little bit. Good luck. (01/17/2006)
I have used a product called Little Noses, which is a baby product that my daughter's doctor told her to use for her baby when she had a cold. I tried it myself and found it to work great for my post nasal drip. I found it at Walmart. I figured if it was safe for baby it would be safe for me. It is a spray that you spray up your nose.
(01/17/2006)
By Juanita
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
I guess mine is not a serious problem, but I find that using cough drops controls mine. (01/17/2006)
By Pat
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
One thing that has helped me is to irrigate my sinuses. I use a small ear syringe and mild, warm, salt water. I fill the syringe and squeeze it directly up in your nose and sinuses. If you do it right some of the solution will come out of your mouth. Mild salt water is like 1 tsp. salt to 1 pint water. The water should be warm to the touch on the wrist, not hot. (01/17/2006)
By suzq
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Although my Dr. wasn't sure what I had going on, I know I felt something running down the back of my throat and I had terrible phlegm at the back of my throat. I would cough and sometimes it even interfered with speaking. I also feel I had a sinus infection at the same time. I was on an antibiotic but it didn't help.
Dr. gave me Allegra samples to try, but that only dried me up really bad. He gave me some Nasonex samples and that seemed to help. I am not sure if that cured me or it just finally ran it's course, but I'm not having the problem anymore. Nasonex is by prescription and is a nose spray. It says it's for nasal allergies. I hope I never have that problem again because it was sure the pits. Oh, and at the same time I had a stuffed nose and woke up with headaches and my nose all full and crusted over, yuck. I hope you find relief. (01/17/2006)
I have had a drip all of my life. I get allergy shots and take Sudafed (with pseudophedrine). It never makes me tired. Only take one every 4-6 hours. It is the only thing that stops the drip. (01/17/2006)
Editor's Note: Sudafed is now a prescription medication, so your doctor will have to prescribe.
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
The baby products like Little Noses are usually just saline solution (salt water). You could dissolve salt in warm water and using an eyedropper drip solution into nose with head tilted back. You can also buy nasal sprays that are just saline also.
I agree with Lynn from California, sometimes post nasal drip is a sign of dehydration. Make sure you're drinking your 8 glasses of water. It really will make a difference. (01/17/2006)
By Cheryl from MO
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Try gargling with salt water several times a day. Also irrigate your sinuses with salt water by squirting it up with a bulb syringe or as I do just sniff it up out of your hand. This won't necessarily stop the drainage, especially if it is, as mine is caused by my cats, but it will certainly lessen the irritation to your throat and decrease the amount. Use about an 1/8 of a teaspoon to a cup of water. I keep a Dixie cup and a salt shaker at my bathroom sink and just sprinkle in a few shakes and fill the cup with warm water rather than measuring.
This may be tough to do but I bet it will work. Eliminate all milk products for one week. Avoid exposing yourself to scented products. Then evaluate you condition. You probably won't have a "condition" anymore. Good luck.
(01/18/2006)
By Margie
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Do you smoke or are around cigarette/cigar smoke? It took me a number of years to figure it out. My doctor couldn't help me. Apparently, I'm allergic to smoke. I didn't smoke, but if I'm near anyone who did, I have problems. I know it is impossible to stay completely away from smoking. If I am around smoking, I take a decongestant and it usually helps me. (01/20/2006)
I suggest gargling the warm salty water mix (1/2 tsp to 8 oz.), drink warm water with lemon juice, soothing decaf teas, lay off lactose rich food and drink (ie. milk), lay off antihistamines because they can dry you out. Irrigate the nasal cavity with the saline solution, drink a lot of water, and blow your nose frequently (not too irritate though). Lozenges are good for temp relief. Use vitamin c and eat antioxidant rich foods (ie. blueberries) to thwart infection. Hope you feel better. (01/31/2006)
By Matt B.
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
A tablespoon of cider vinegar made from fermented apples only in a glass of water, 2 times a day should dry up the runny nose. It can be a lack of potassium in the diet that can cause too much mucus. Another option is taking a teaspoon of straight honey twice a day both of these are high in natural potassium. For a phlegmy throat I suggest gargling and then swallowing the cider vinegar this heals sore throats and will break up any phlegm which you can spit out. This works for me.These ideas have been natural medicines in Vermont for many years. It was in a book written by a doctor there. Hope that helps. (02/02/2006)
Am thinking you might want to irrigate your sinuses and take nettle pills. Nettles help to minimize allergic reactions. Unless you had a bad cold and are simply feeling the after effects, you might be having a prolonged allergy bout. The longer it goes on, the worse it gets.
Nettles are also called 'stinging nettles' in the health food store and come in liquid and pill form.
When my allergies get going, I use a multi-pronged approach: nettles, bromelain pills, nasal irrigation (or just "Ocean" brand saline nasal spray daily), drink lots of water, run the air filter cleaners in every room I am in for a prolonged period of time. If you can't take an air filter cleaner to work, then running one in your bedroom might help. Sears is the best for these air cleaners, because they carry the filters long after the cleaner machine has been discontinued, so you don't have to get additional filters via mail order. Get the best one you can afford.
Take the nettle pills several times a day. Also, use NasalCrom (no longer a prescription) to calm those allergies in your nose. Although the back of your throat might be the involved party, the NasalCrom might help to substantially minimize the side effects.
Many years ago, the allergic child of a friend was prescribed NasalCrom by the allergist. This seems to have made a huge difference in the quality of his well being. When it became available to the general public, I tried it, too, and have been quite pleased. The instructions say you can take it year round, if need be. Might be worth $12 for you to try it. Target has their in house brand of this item for a little less money. (02/18/2006)
I use grapefruit seed extract in the form of a nasal spray and it keeps me from catching colds too. (03/05/2006)
By Chris
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
If saline makes you cough when you use it as a nasal irrigant you can try a 3% solution of sugar instead. The idea is to get a solution that is isotonic so that it does not sting your sensitive mucous membranes. (09/17/2006)
By Tom H.
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Flixonase Nasal Spray plus an antihistamine should help. Also cut out dairy products, sugar, and coffee as much as possible. I've been there and I know its hell, so good luck. (04/04/2007)
I have the same thing, post nasal drip for over a year now. It started with a simple cold. If I don't start gargling with salt/cayenne pepper I also get throat problems due to the mucus. (12/28/2007)
By MG
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
For post nasal drip help, read the article at the following website (it's copyrighted or I'd post it here).
ent-consult.com
Having suffered for weeks, and nearly strangling to death 3 times, I followed the articles ideas and used the nasal moisturizer "Nasal Comfort" from CVS for $10 (by the makers of Zicam), a hot wet cloth under my eyes and over the top of my nose plus a hot cup of tea. Two hours later I'm breathing fine, the stuff in my throat is almost gone and I can tell that the mucus from my nose is no longer flowing slow and thick as it had been. In fact, at one point I noticed the mucus seemed to be accelerating, but not congregating in my throat.
I hope whatever method you use takes care of the problem for you. (04/13/2008)
By Al
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
For the people recommending the grapefruit seed extract, be careful. Both of the brands/sites mentioned here have been implicated in selling tainted products. Furthermore, GSE is not known as an antimicrobial to any good extent on its own. There are some reports on these snake oil salesmen who make the stuff that say they have tainted it with antimicrobial chemicals that are not good for humans, though they may help the problem.
Hot liquids seem to help, and also hard alcohol. If you're over 21 take a shot, or notice how during a night of drinking the hard liquor you'll have no throat drip. This is because ethyl alcohol (aka booze) found in high levels in hard alcohol kills bacteria. Do not drink beer for this problem, it has low alcohol and also contains yeast and which aggravates post nasal symptoms. (05/09/2008)
By Kevin
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
I've had this problem all of my life. Three things that really work for me are nasal irrigation, Mucinex (1200 mg twice a day, per my ENT doc), and cough syrup with codeine if I absolutely can't get it to quit. Once it starts it can keep going because everything becomes so irritated from the coughing. The cough syrup keeps me from coughing at night, and I can control it with Mucinex, nasal irrigation during the day. Also, dairy is terrible, at least for me. One bite or drink of something with dairy can set me off, so I avoid dairy now. (06/17/2008)
By Kim
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
I love studying herbs and medicine. I had a friend with severe sinus problems. She would sleep with a hanky in her pillow, sneeze all day. It got so aggravating. So, I thought on it and then realized in my studying that Zinc would help. I told her to try it. She says she is "free" from the trouble. It has been over 4 years. She said every once in a while the symptoms come back then she takes the zinc for about a week or two. Then she is back to be free from sinus issues.
What I found in my studies: first of all, sinus troubles come from the immune system not being up to par. The best way to get it back to par is with Zinc. And just to get you thinking about it, think about why the doctor is telling you to take something. Then google that issue. Study the organ, why it works, how it works, what other organs/parts effect it, what helps it to work and what hurts it. The body is a fascinating thing if you just break it down into sections. Just like a car, bike, computer. Some things help it some don't. But to make it run at top performance you have to "think like it works". Learn. (07/26/2008)
By Kathy
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Zyrtec and lots of water. It took me two years to find this cure. Make sure that in is not Zyrtec-D, though. That makes it even worse. (08/12/2008)
By Dripping in FL
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Post nasal drip is very common and affects more than 33% of the population. My story is like most of yours, but I found probably the best cure I have ever experienced. Although water helps, you have to retrain the cilia in your nose to pass impurities through correctly. I have been working with an allergist and we have concluded that I suffer from 2 conditions:
The first is silent acid reflux. It can give the sensation of post nasal drip in the throat without any sign of heartburn. It can also cause a chronic cough. Prilosec is what I will take temporarily and I am avoiding acidic foods and drinks while I heal my stomach and esophagus.
The second is sinus disease. Any caffeine/alcohol drinkers out there? These can cause the mucous membranes in the nasal cavity to virtually "dry up". I bought the NeilMed Nasal Rinse bottle and have been "rinsing" with it 3 to 4 times per day until this is under control.
Guess what? After 6 to 8 weeks of this regimen, the chronic cough is gone and I can breathe freely. The sad part is, I never realized my nose was congested. The nasal rinse is a little gross in the beginning, but I look forward to it because it makes me feel great.
Note: I was tested for allergies, asthma, lung problems, and sinus deformities and everything came up negative. Good luck. (11/03/2008)
By Love2Draw
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
OK, this may taste not the greatest, but better then some of the syrup remedies out there. Take some ginger root and lime or lemon juice and make a hot tea with this. Add a little salt and drink about 5 or so cups then have a hot shower with steam and should help clear up some. (01/03/2009)
By Amanda From Saskatoon
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
You all need to try Therabreath Nasal Drops by Dr Harold Katz. It's a miracle cure for PNS and bad breath. (01/09/2009)
By Lisa
RE: Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
This is my second year of having this problem of PND, I never had it in my life, I lived in North Africa
(Algeria for 26 years), moved to California after 3 years and started having allergies to pollen, I have this only on March and April. I can't sleep, sometimes I think I am going to die, I wanted to advise everyone about using salt, because salt adjusts pression in our cells by concentration.
The amount of salt that you put in water to rinse your sinus is very important, even critical. if you put too much, you may cause problems if you put less, it will not help you. You need to use slightly higher concentration of salt than we have in our blood, this is called Plasmolyse. Water in our body and even in vitro moves always from concentrated to less concentrated area. That is why salt in water will stop the dripping mucus/water from the cell to outside the cells, and keep the water inside the cell, this is a Isotonic equilibrium, that way the drips stops. Thanks. (04/13/2009)
I am a college student and I have suffered from PND for about 3 and a half years now and it has been really embarrassing. But I'm here to tell you that I have been cured. I used to frequently read forums to try different methods, but they never worked. After being so embarrassed by the symptoms (drippy throat, horrible breath, being choked up) I demanded that my doctor do something about it.
She finally prescribed me with something called Z-Pack. It was a five day pill treatment that is kinda expensive, but well worth it. She also told me to use Clariton-D and make sure that it had the D label. The combination of both of these medicines had me cleared up within 10 days. It worked and I'm relieved. The total cost for both was about $70 it is well worth it.
I'm sorry I don't know the real name of the medicine, because I threw the packaging away, but a doctor should know. I'm now living a normal life and I'm not embarrassed to talk to people close range anymore. Please don't give up. I hope it works for you. Also make sure to drink water frequently to prevent its return. (05/17/2009)
Astelin (antihistamine nasal spray) seems to work. The drawbacks are the price ($130) and it makes me drowsy. (But the drowsiness is moderate, compared to that caused by over-the-counter antihistamine pills) This is prescription med. Antihistamine pills do not work at all, but this nasal spray does. I does not "cure" the problem, but it keeps the symptoms under control. I really do not know what causes my PND, but since this antihistamine spray works, it's probably an allergy (my doc says so). (07/26/2009)
