Post Nasal Drip Cough

Post nasal drip cough usually occurs when your body produces thinner or thicker mucus than normal. Usually, excess mucus comes out of the nose as a form of runny nose. When the mucus runs down the back of the nose and travels to the throat, post nasal drip cough occurs. The excess production of mucus may be caused by several factors such as flu, allergies, colds, nasal infections, and certain medications. Once you have identified the probable causes of post nasal drip cough, it will be easier for you to find a treatment method that best suits your condition.
Symptoms of post nasal drip

While post nasal drip cough is not life-threatening, it may cause a series of annoying symptoms that may affect your normal functioning. It creates an irritating feeling that makes you want to clear your throat all the time. The liquid in your throat contains inflammatory substances so it may also lead to cough, which usually gets worse at night. In fact, post nasal drip is considered as the most common cost of chronic cough. When excessive mucus runs down your throat, your voice becomes hoarse so you get a sore throat as well.

Treatment options for post nasal drip cough

Home remedies also work well when it comes to curing post nasal drip cough. To alleviate its symptoms, you can try gargling salt water to soothe your sore throat. Just add a half teaspoon of salt to a cup of water and gargle the solution as often as you want. You can also mix a teaspoon of salt, a pinch of baking soda, and a cup of warm water to relax your inflamed sinuses. Add the solution to a nasal syringe and squirt into your nostril while keeping the back of your throat and palate closed. After swishing the solution around, you can already blow your nose.

If these natural remedies did not work, you have to think about the cause of the problem and ask your doctor for appropriate medications. When post nasal drip is caused by nasal infections, you can always use antibiotics to treat the condition. However, you have to remember that yellow or green mucus is not always a proof of a bacterial infection. Colds can also turn mucus into these colors. Using antibiotics to cure post nasal drip cough caused by colds is not a good idea because viruses do not respond to antibiotics.

Whether your condition is caused by rhinitis or viral infections, you will certainly find decongestants and antihistamines helpful. You can also boost their efficiency by using them along with nasal sprays or steroid medications. However, it is always a good idea to ask your doctors advice before curing post nasal drip cough because over-the-counter medication may cause nasty side effects such as dry mouth or dizziness.