How do you stop post-nasal sinus drainage?

Now what?A humidifier or steam inhalation (as during a hot shower)Keeping well-hydrated (to keep the mucus thinner)Sleep on propped up pillows, to keep the mucus from collecting at the back of your throat.Nasal irrigation (available over-the-counter)More items…

What is the quickest way to get rid of post nasal drip?

Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Elevate your head at night to help mucus drain. You can also gargle saltwater, inhale steam, use a humidifier, and drink warm fluids. These remedies will thin mucus and moisturize your nasal passages.

How do I get rid of lingering sinus drainage?

Treatment

1. Nasal corticosteroids. …
2. Saline nasal irrigation, with nasal sprays or solutions, reduces drainage and rinses away irritants and allergies.
3. Oral or injected corticosteroids. …
4. Allergy medications. …
5. Aspirin desensitization treatment, if you have reactions to aspirin that cause sinusitis and nasal polyps.

Why do I have so much post nasal drainage?

One of the most frequent causes of postnasal drip is allergies, which is often called allergic postnasal drip. Another cause is a deviated septum. If you have a deviated septum, it means the wall of cartilage between your nostrils (septum) is crooked.

Does post nasal drip go away?

Most cases of post-nasal drip go away with time, but long-lasting, untreated post-nasal drip and excess mucus can create a breeding ground for germs, which in turn can lead to additional health complications, including sinus infections and ear infections.

What dries up post nasal drip?

Antihistamines and decongestants can often help with postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections. They can also be effective, along with steroid nasal sprays, for postnasal drip caused by allergies.

What is the best medicine for post nasal drip?

Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip. Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) can work to get rid of postnasal drip. However, these are more effective after you take them for several days.

What dries up sinus drainage?

Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip. Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) can work to get rid of postnasal drip.

Is it normal to have post-nasal drip every day?

Additionally, chronic and severe post-nasal drip may indicate the need to treat a more serious underlying sinus issue. If your post-nasal drip lasts more than 10 days or is accompanied by fever, foul-smelling drainage, or bloody mucus, contact your ENT as soon as possible, as these may be signs of a serious infection.

What medicine will dry up sinus drainage?

Decongestants reduce swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages. This decreases secretions and may help provide short-term relief from post-nasal drip. However, do not use decongestants for longer than three days.
…
Decongestants

• Oxymetazoline (Afrin, Drixoral)
• Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

How long is too long for post nasal drip?

You should seek medical attention within a few weeks of symptoms. Post-nasal drip will be present for 12 weeks or longer before it's classed as chronic. Chronic rhinitis is frequently the culprit if you have persistent post-nasal drip.

What is the best antihistamine for post nasal drip?

Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) and loratadine (brand Claritin) are good second-generation antihistamines that are non-sedating and could be good for mild to moderate postnasal drip symptoms.

What is the best sleeping position for sinus drainage?

The best sleeping position for sinus drainage problems and other sinus issues is to sleep with your head propped up. Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and reduce the chance of excessive blood flow that can develop sinus congestion.

How can I dry up my sinuses naturally?

9 Ways to Naturally Clear Up Your Congestion

1. Humidifier.
2. Steam.
3. Saline spray.
4. Neti pot.
5. Compress.
6. Herbs and spices.
7. Elevated head.
8. Essential oils.

How long can sinus drainage last?

An “acute” sinus infection lasts anywhere from ten days up to eight weeks. A “chronic” infection lasts even longer. It is ongoing — it may seem like it's improving, and then it comes right back as bad as it was at first. Chronic sinus infections may drag on for months at a time.

How fast can post nasal drip go away?

Post nasal drip that is caused by viral infections, such as the cold or flu, could last for weeks or longer, depending on the type of treatment and a person's immune response. Whereas, post nasal drip caused by seasonal allergies may cause symptoms to flare up suddenly and disappear after just a short time.

Can postnasal drip get worse?

Blockages in the openings from swelling due to colds, flu, or allergies may lead to acute sinus infection. A viral cold that persists for 10 days or more may have become a bacterial sinus infection. This infection may increase post-nasal drip.

What can a doctor prescribe for post nasal drip?

• Examples of medications for postnasal drip include antihistamines, steroids, and decongestants. As with any medication, it is best to talk with a doctor before use to discuss the dosage, precautions, and possible side effects.

Why is sinus drainage worse at night?

As you lay down on your back or side, gravity helps your blood circulate easier to the head. An increased blood flow to the brain for eight or more hours at night can certainly lead to sinus congestion, and in some cases, sinus pain.

What can I take for sinus drainage at night?

• If allergies are to blame for your sinus pressure, consider taking an antihistamine before bed. This type of medication works by blocking substances called histamines, which trigger symptoms such as sneezing or runny nose. Taking one near bedtime can be a win-win because some varieties make you sleepy.

What medicine is best for sinus drainage?

Try using a medicine that thins mucus and improves sinus drainage (mucolytic). Guaifenesin is a commonly used mucolytic. Mucolytics are often combined with other medicines such as cough suppressants. Acetaminophen can be found in many forms and comes in different doses.

What position is best for draining sinuses?

The Ideal Sleeping Position When Dealing With a Stuffy Nose

Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and reduce the chance of excessive blood flow that can develop sinus congestion.

What medicine helps with post nasal drip?

OTC Medicine for Post-Nasal Drip

• Oxymetazoline (Afrin, Drixoral)
• Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

What sleeping position is best for sinus drainage?

The best sleeping position for sinus drainage problems and other sinus issues is to sleep with your head propped up. Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and reduce the chance of excessive blood flow that can develop sinus congestion.

What is the best sleeping position for post nasal drip?

To help you breathe better and sleep better at night while suffering from your post nasal drip symptoms, here's a few additional tips to implement into your sleep and nasal hygiene routine: Sleep on your side. Keep the air quality clean. Moisturize your sinuses on a daily basis.

What foods cause post nasal drip?

Spicy foods and carbonated beverages are strong triggers of LPR. (If you have significant PND symptoms after eating spicy foods or drinking carbonated beverages, you are likely suffering from LPR.)