Many individuals have experienced postnasal drip at some point in their lives. A bump in the back part of the throat which does not go away when swallowing or clearing the throat can occur along with an irritated throat or stuffy nose. Take note that postnasal drip is a common symptom of common cold or allergies that occur once the nasal membranes are clogged.
The obstruction causes the mucus to drain down to the throat instead of going through the nose where it can be expelled by blowing the nose. Even though it is not life-threatening, it can be annoying and cause the development of a sinus infection if not treated right away. There are several over-the-counter medications readily available to relieve postnasal drip.
Oral decongestants
The commonly used decongestant is pseudoephedrine. Most medications used contain pseudoephedrine. The oral decongestants work by reducing the swelling and inflammation of the nasal passages as well as help relieve the obstruction that causes the postnasal drip.
Nasal spray decongestants
Decongestant nasal sprays are directly applied to the nasal passages via a bulb-tip applicator. One of the commonly used nasal spray decongestants is Afrin or a saline spray. The sprays work by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages to improve the breathing of the individual as well as promote proper drainage.
Antihistamine decongestant
Histamines are naturally occurring chemicals released by the body after being exposed to an allergen. The reaction that occurs can cause postnasal drip. These medications work by stopping the reaction as well as minimizing the congestion.
Mucus thinning agents
Mucus thinning agents contain components that thin out the mucus and prevent accumulating at the back of the nose and throat. This helps the individual clear up the throat and nasal passages. It is vital to drink enough fluids particularly water in order to thin out the mucus and also help a mucus-thinning agent to work even more effectively.
Nasal lavage
Nasal lavage is the process of naturally draining the nasal passages. The common form is nasal lavage that involves the use of a neti pot. When this procedure is performed, water passes via each nostril using a bulb-tip of a pot. The tip is inserted into the nostril on one side as the head is tipped over to drain out water to the other side. It is important to note that nasal lavage works by diluting the mucus or forces it out of the nasal passages. The individual should be instructed to blow the nose after in order to eliminate any excess mucus or water.
With the help of these treatment options, you can easily help relieve the discomfort experience by an individual experiencing postnasal drip. Just remember that if in doubt, it is always best to consult a doctor for proper advice.