Mucus secreted by the nasal mucosa serves both as a humidifier and as a protective mechanism. It is a clear, thin and wet substance that moistens the air passages in the nose. The mucus together with your nose hairs helps trap and filter the air that gets into your lungs. The air you breathe in is also humidified by the mucus to help prevent damage to your air passages due to dryness. Bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms are usually killed by the mucus. This mucus normally flows down the back of the nose and throat and is swallowed.
Post nasal drip or upper airway cough syndrome is characterized by the dripping of this mucus in larger amounts which makes it noticeable and irritating. Mostly, post nasal drip is caused either by allergic reactions or by inflammation and infections caused by virus and bacteria. Irritants such as pollen, dust, perfume, aerosol sprays, fumes, cigarette smoke, dog and cat hair, and even eating allergic foods can cause post nasal drip. Post nasal drip may also present as a symptom of other respiratory problems such as sinusitis. Post nasal drip is also sometimes manifested as a side-effect of certain medications such as ace inhibitors and contraceptive pills. Contraceptive pills contain high levels of estrogen, thereby increasing its level in the female body. This high estrogen level affects the lining of the nasal cavity causing excessive mucus production and puffy nose.
Having a post nasal drip can be very irritating and uncomfortable. You may also experience symptoms of headache, sore throat, cough and tearing of the eyes.
If you are suffering from post nasal drip, consulting a physician is usually recommended for treatment. But initially you can use some home remedies that are inexpensive and easily accessible. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the quantity of the mucus and to make it thinner.
Helpful Common Home Remedies
DRINKING A LOT OF WATER is one of the best home remedy. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. It not only rehydrates you but also helps prevent further infection. You can also drink hot liquids, such as tea or lemon tea, which will help soothe your throat.
USE GINGER. Ginger is said to be one of the most useful and effective herbal plant in treating various diseases. It is not only helpful for digestion but also commonly used in relieving cough and colds. It is an excellent remedy to alleviate symptoms of post nasal drip. Simply, wash the ginger and peel it. You can either take it as a tea or just chew it like a candy. Chewing the ginger is more helpful than drinking it as a tea.
PROPER NOSE BLOWING. Mucus in post nasal drip flows at the back of your nose and throat continuously due to excessive mucus production. Blowing it once in a while helps in removing some of the excess mucus. Proper blowing is blowing your nose while opening your mouth. This method helps prevent ear damage due to increased pressure. But never do forceful blowing so as to prevent further complications.
USE SALINE NASAL SPRAYS OR GARGLES. A saline nasal spray is also an effective home remedy. Mix a pinch of salt to a glass of warm water and irrigate the nasal area. It not only acts as mucus thinner but also helps wash away bacteria in the nasal cavity. Gargle with saline water at least 10-15 times every one hour or until symptoms are relieved. It helps alleviate irritating pain brought about by cough caused due to post nasal drip.
AVOID IRRITATING/ AGGRAVATING FOODS AND CONDITIONS. Avoid foods such as spicy and cold foods as these can increase mucus secretion which will further aggravate your post nasal dripping. Also avoid too cold an environment as this will increase your runny nose and make mucus more watery. Identify and avoid allergens that cause post nasal drip such as smog and smoke. Maintain humidity in your environment.
MASSAGE NASAL PRESSURE POINTS. You can massage the side of your nose in a circular motion. This will help relieve the congestion and post nasal drip very fast.
INCREASE INTAKE OF VITAMIN C. Vitamin C will help boost your immune system and promote healing. You should eat fruits and vegetables which are rich in Vitamin C. Some of such fruits are oranges, lemon and other citrus fruits.
USE BAKING SODA. Mix a pinch of baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water. Use this mixture to flush your sinuses by squirting it using a nasal syringe.
Anti-histamines can be purchased over-the-counter but are often discouraged as they are not that very effective in relieving post-nasal drip. They are only effective for sneezing and itching. Before taking them, try the home remedies mentioned above and you may be able to relieve your problem and not require any further post nasal drip treatment.
