Post-Nasal Drip Causes: 10 Effective Post Nasal Drip Home Remedies

Post nasal drip home remedies

You will agree with us that whenever you get a sore throat, a hacking cough or when you rinse your throat with water in the morning, you feel as if there is something at the back of your throat. Well, any of these could be an indication of a post-nasal drip.

First, let’s understand the medical definition of post-nasal drip.

Post-nasal drip (PND) is a very common problem that occurs as a result of excessive production of mucus by the nasal mucosa.

It is a very uncomfortable and irritating condition that affects people of all age and gender. Mucus which is a thick, wet substance is continually produced in the glands lining your nose, throat, and airways.

Its main function is to moisten and clean the nasal membranes, humidify the air within the airways, trap and clear inhaled foreign matter and fight infections.

It is not uncommon to unconsciously swallow the mucus from your nose throughout the day. But when the mucus is overproduced, it starts dripping from the back of your nose, causing post-nasal drip.

You may also notice additional symptoms such as an irritated or a sore throat, hoarseness, congestion, difficulty swallowing and a general feeling of weakness.

Post-nasal drip can occur due to several factors such as common cold, flu, allergies, sinus infection, cold temperature, excessively dry air, spicy foods, hormonal changes in the body, certain medications,fumes from cleaning products, perfumes, smoke, and other irritants.

Sick with flu

Fortunately, you can treat many cases of post-nasal drip at home using simple and readily available natural ingredients.

However, if this condition persists for more than a week, please consult a doctor for proper examination.

Causes Of Post Nasal Drip

For someone who gets easily irritated post nasal can be annoying, here are some causes of it below that might help you kick against future occurrence.

1. Cold Weather

When the weather becomes too frigid and cold for comfort especially rainy season, it might be a little bit hard to avoid post nasal drip unless you are a frequent warm water user then you might warm your way out of it.

2. Sinus Infection

Sinus infection happens as a result of bacteria’s found in the mucus, which leads to inflammation of the air cavities within the nose thereby blocking the nostril. Postnasal arises as a result of this inflammation.

3. Flu

Flu is a viral infection caused by being near someone with the flu. It can be transferred from cough and sneeze from an infected person. The major sign for flu is post nasal drip.

sick man

4. Fever/Temperature

This is a common harbinger for post-nasal drip. The heat emitted from the body at the rise of temperature causes inflammation to the nose.

5.  Strong Deodorant/Perfume

Most deodorants and perfumes contain a very high chemical that causes irritation to the nose and often times when inhaled for too long can cause mucus to form at the back of the throat.

6. Spicy Foods

If you are no fan of spicy foods then stay away from it as the nose reacts very fast to it and before you know the nose is dripping mucus. If the body is used to it then spicy foods won’t be much of an issue.

7. Fumes From Detergent

The nose has specifically been made to help detect both pleasant and unpleasant stuff and they are some stuff it does not only find unpleasant and this inflames the nose and causes post-nasal drip. Most detergent has some chemical ingredients that releases unpleasant smells that can irritate your nose.

8. Reaction To Some Certain Medication

Postnasal sometimes might just be the body way of adjusting or irritation to a new medication. When this occurs you should ask the doctor to give you a new prescription that won’t react on you.

post-nasal drip home remedies

9. Allergy

Do you have an allergy to something, food or a pet? If yes then post nasal could come from that. It’s a way of the body reacting to your allergies.

10. Smokes

If there is a huge smoke and you inhaled too much of it then having post-nasal drip at the end cannot be avoided as the nose is very sensitive to smokes.

These are very viable causes of post nasal drip and might go away with the right remedy. In addition, post nasal can be accompanied by some of these symptoms below.

Symptoms Of Post Nasal Drip

Mucus dripping down the back of your throat is not the only way you can verify it’s post nasal. It can be followed by some of these symptoms as well.

  • Cough that gets worse at night
  • Common cold and feeling feverish
  • Bad breath
  • Sore or scratchy throat
  • Excessive swallowing of mucus and spitting
  • Frequent throat scratching.

When the symptoms mentioned above follow each other rapidly, then these might signal post nasal drip symptoms and should be taken care of with the home remedies mentioned below as they can be very effective and easy to apply.

Post Nasal Drip Home Remedies

Looking to get rid of post nasal drip at home? Give any of these post nasal drip home remedies a trial and watch it disappear.

1. Gargle with Salt Water

sick about to take water

Gargling with salt water is one of the simplest and best home remedies to get rid of post-nasal drip.

It helps thin out the mucus making it easier to expel. Also, it help flushes the irritants out of the nasal passages.

  • Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
  • Gargle with this solution a couple of times for 2 to 3 days.

2. Steam Inhalation

This is another simple but effective home remedy for postnasal drip. You can use this remedy with or without essential oils to control excess mucus production that causes post-nasal drip.

  • Fill a bowl with hot boiling water.
  • Add a few drops of any essential oil, optionally.
  • Place a towel over your head and hold your face over the hot water.
  • Inhale the steam deeply for about 10 minutes and then blow your nose.
  • Repeat this home remedy 2 to 3 times daily until you fully recover.

Also, bathing with warm water can help break up the mucus.


Note: This home remedy is not recommended for very small children.


3. Nasal Irrigation

This remedy is very beneficial because it helps clear up excess mucus. In addition to that, it helps keep the nasal passages free from irritants thereby preventing further infection.

  • Add a pinch of baking soda and ¼ teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.
  • Pour this solution into a neti pot.
  • In a standing position, tilt your head to one side while squirting the solution into one of your nostrils.
  • Move your head back, forward and from side-to-side to help the solution reach other places within the nasal cavities.
  • After that, blow your nose to get rid of excess mucus and solution.
  • Repeat this procedure with the other nostril.
  • Perform this remedy once daily for a couple of days and then a few times a week.

4. Garlic For Post Nasal Drip

garlic

Garlic is one of the most popular herbs on the planet with powerful antibiotic properties.

It helps checkmate overproduction of mucus as well as prevention of infection. What’s more, it even promotes quick recovery.

  • Roast 3 to 4 garlic cloves in 1 teaspoon of clarified butter for a minute. Eat them with some warm milk twice every day for a few days.
  • Alternatively, chew a small piece of raw garlic a couple of times daily.
  • Also, you can take garlic supplements after consulting the doctor.

5. Ginger

Ginger is another popular herb that is considered a natural decongestant with antiviral, antibacterial, and expectorant properties.

Just like garlic, it helps checkmate the overproduction of mucus and aids its removal. It is also a potent home remedy for a sore throat, chest congestion, and hoarseness.

  • Drink ginger tea 2 to 3 times daily. To prepare this tea, put a tablespoon of sliced ginger in 1 to 2 cups of warm water and simmer for about 10 minutes. Then, strain it and add a little honey before drinking it.
  • Or, you can chew raw ginger slices a couple of times daily and add ginger to your cooking.

6. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is very potent in getting rid of post-nasal drip because it acts as an antihistamine.

The capsaicin in cayenne is very efficient in thinning out mucus for easy elimination. Not only that, but it also helps soothe an irritated throat.

  • Make a mixture of ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper with honey, and take it 2 or 3 times daily for a few days.
  • Another option, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a glass of warm water and sip it a few times daily.
  • Also, endeavor to include this spice in your cooking as well.

7. Lemon

vitamin c lemons

Lemon is another effective post-nasal drip home remedy. Due to its high vitamin C content, it helps improve the body’s resistance to infections. It also helps loosen mucus for easy elimination from your nostrils.

  • Squeeze the juice from ½ lemon into a cup of warm water and add raw honey for taste. Sip this mixture first thing in the morning on an empty stomach as well as a few times during the day to control overproduction of mucus.
  • Also, consider adding lemon juice to your cup of green or black tea.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing effect which makes it effective in treating post-nasal drip. It functions by thinning out the mucus, making it easier for elimination. What’s more, it also boosts your immune system to combat infections.

  • Make a mixture of 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little raw honey in a cup of warm water. Drink this solution twice daily for a few days.
  • Alternatively, dilute raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water.
  • Heat the solution until it steams and then inhale the steam.
  • Repeat this a few times daily for a few days.

9. Increase Your Water Intake

Maybe you aren’t aware, increasing your water intake can help thin out the mucus and facilitate quick recovery.

Not only that, but it also ensures proper hydration of your body and nasal passage.

It is worthy of note that, dehydration can aggravate symptoms of post nasal drip and make the condition even worst.

  • Drink sufficient amount of water throughout the day to keep yourself well hydrated. For effective result, drink warm water.
  • You can also drink green tea, hot lemonade, chicken soup, vegetable soup, and broth.

Importantly, avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and soda which can cause dehydration.

10. Increase Vitamin C Intake

vitamin c foods

One of the first lines of treatment against postnasal drip is to eat more vitamin C rich foods.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system as well as help develop resistance against various kinds of infections.

Not only that, but vitamin C also lowers the production of histamine in your body which is involved in allergic reactions.

  • Eat more vitamin C-rich foods such as papayas, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, bell peppers, berries, kiwi, broccoli and dark leafy greens.
  • Also, you can take vitamin C supplements but only after consulting with your doctor for the correct dosage.

These remedies should effectively help you fight post nasal drip. Find any of them useful? Let us know in the comment section and do not forget to share 🙂

Total
8
Shares


⚡️ Follow us on Facebook Here and on Instagram @thrivenaija to get more updates and win big in our giveaways. If you love Pinterest, See what we're pinning ⚡️
Related Posts
The content, services and products on our site are for informational purposes only. ThriveNaija does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.