How to Prevent and Treat Post-Nasal Drip During Cold and Flu Season

Coughing is a common sign that cold and flu season is in full swing. But if your cough feels more like a constant need to clear your throat, post-nasal drip could be the culprit.

As we reach the peak of cold and flu season in the U.S., understanding post-nasal drip—and why it's more common this time of year—can help you find relief.

What Is Post-Nasal Drip?

Post-nasal drip is when excess mucus drains from the sinuses down the back of the throat. During normal sinus function, the glands in the nose, throat, and airways naturally produce mucus. The produced mucus moistens the nasal membranes, humidifies the air we breathe in, and destroys pathogens that may be harmful to our bodies.

In some cases, the sinuses produce excess mucus, which can become thick and irritating. When this mucus drains down the back of the throat, it creates a tickling sensation that may lead to chronic coughing and a persistent need to clear the throat.

Common Symptoms of Post-Nasal Drip

• Feeling the need to constantly clear the throat
• Irritated throat
• Voice hoarseness
• Runny nose
• Coughing, which is usually worse during the night, causes sleep disturbances
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Nausea or vomiting due to the excess mucus dripping down the throat

Post-Nasal Drip During the Cold and Flu Season

Post-nasal drip occurs for many reasons. Allergies are the most common cause of it and it’s typically referred to as allergic post-nasal drip.

The cold and flu season can also increase the risk of post-nasal drip. Changes in the weather and air, spicy foods, and a deviated septum are some other risk factors for post-nasal drip.

Preventing and Treating Post-Nasal Drip

During a consultation, your healthcare provider will perform the necessary tests and examinations to provide an accurate diagnosis. Since post-nasal drip can stem from various causes and underlying conditions, identifying and treating the root cause is key to relieving this symptom.

Common treatment options for post-nasal drip include:

Nasal spray

Patients who experience post-nasal drip often have to deal with mucus buildup as well. Saline nasal sprays can help provide relief from both. This helps get rid of nasal congestion and blockages and helps you breathe better. It can also moisturize and soothe irritated nasal passages and get rid of harmful allergens and pathogens in the sinuses.

Medications

If the post-nasal drip is due to sinusitis or infections, certain medications like decongestants and antihistamines can help manage symptoms. If it is due to a bacterial infection, your care provider might put you on a round of antibiotics. Treating the underlying cause of the infection will eliminate post-nasal drip as its symptom as well.

Knowing and avoiding your triggers and allergens

Post-nasal drip can result from allergic reactions. Knowing and avoiding certain allergens will help prevent the onset of the symptoms. Medications, foods, and pollen are common allergy triggers. If reactions to such allergens cause post-nasal drip, you will want to make appropriate adjustments to prevent it.

Home remedies

Steam inhalation provides effective relief from post-nasal drip. It also moistens the nasal passages and soothes irritated sinuses. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself and your sinuses hydrated. This also keeps mucus thin, promoting efficient mucus drainage. Additionally, gargling with salt water can help break down and thin mucus buildup. It’s also an effective home remedy to soothe sore and irritated throats.

Surgery

In some cases, post-nasal drip results from a deviated septum – an anatomical variation of the nasal septum. The procedure aims to straighten the septum and position it at the center of the nose. This results in better nasal airflow and proper mucus drainage, providing a permanent solution to post-nasal drip.

Post-Nasal Drip Issues? Trinity ENT Can Help!

If you are dealing with post-nasal drip issues, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our experts at Trinity ENT today. We are committed to helping our patients find the cause of their sinus concerns and providing effective treatment options!