Post Nasal Drip (PND) is very irritating. It may cause a sore throat, congestion and a runny nose. It feels like liquid is running down your throat, and sometimes, it’s just all in one fell swoop. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you may have PND.
But if you have been taking antihistamines for allergy prevention or you’ve been taking decongestants, you probably think that this is the end of the world. But it isn’t. You can still treat your PND with natural ingredients. Many people get the relief they are looking for without relying on medicine. It’s easier than you think.
Most often when a person has a cold or allergy attack, the first thing they do is run to their doctor. The doctor might prescribe some over the counter medication. They may even give you some prescription-strength medication. But this is all that many doctors will do. There may not be much that can be done about the post-nasal drip. For some people this seems to be a yearly occurrence, but for others it seems to come out of nowhere.
Many people suffer with post-nasal drip because their throats always seem to be dry. One way to alleviate this is by using natural toothpaste to rinse out your mouth with. Another way to combat the dryness is by drinking warm liquids such as soup, tea, or hot milk. And don’t forget to gargle with a good commercial grade mouthwash.
What Are The Symptoms?
If your cough or cold symptom comes on suddenly and you begin to cough up a greenish white substance, then you have probably contracted rhinitis, which is a common cause of post nasal drip. Rhinitis is caused by a virus that attacks the lining of your soft tissues inside your nose.
Symptoms of rhinitis include a sore throat and nasal congestion.
Post Nasal Drip is sometimes also associated with sinus problems. You may feel a runny or clear nose and feel like there is a slight pressure on your chest. This is because the sinuses are inflamed and your nose is inflamed as well. When your sinuses become inflamed it constricts your nasal passages, causing post nasal drip as well. The most common symptom is a headache, but you may also experience facial pain, dizziness, facial swelling, or congestion.
If your symptoms are seasonal or occur very infrequently, then you most likely have seasonal allergies. These types of allergies are usually brought on by pollen and plant pollens. A common allergy is found in the pet dog. Symptoms of allergies vary widely and can even be confused with some other diseases or health conditions.
Other factors that may cause post nasal drip include colds, sinus infections, bronchial inflammation, sinus congestion, sinus headaches, or the presence of mold or mildew in your home. Your throat can become dry or cracked when you have a cold or sinus infection. This cracking and drying can cause excess mucus to build up around the sinus openings and in the throat. When this mucus gets stuck, it creates a perfect environment for bacteria and fungus to grow, thus causing a sore throat and fever. Other sinus conditions that cause mucus buildup include the common cold and flu.
Other flu-like symptoms include headaches, sneezing, and a fever. These are also caused by bacteria and fungus growing in the warm and moist environment of the nose and sinuses. In order to better understand these infections, it is important to understand the symptoms that occur during an acute infection. For more information, please consult your physician.
Post Nasal Drip Treatment
Nasal-Drip Cold Remedies Many people who suffer from post nasal drip have one of two types of allergies: rhinitis or irritant contact dermatitis. For example, an allergy to plant pollens may cause symptoms such as sneezing, sniffles, itchy eyes, and watery eyes. Other allergens include dust, mold, mites, pet dander, and food allergies. Common cold remedies, such as decongestants and antihistamines work to relieve these symptoms of allergies, but not everyone requires these medicines.
Other Causes A stuffy nose or congested sinuses can also cause symptoms of PND. Sometimes mucous is allowed to build up in the nose and sinus cavities, making it hard to breathe. This blocks airways and results in symptoms such as coughing. It may be necessary to use an OTC decongestant to clear the mucus, but the best treatment is to alleviate the symptoms themselves.
Certain Foods/Exclusions Foods that triggers a PND includes dairy products and certain foods and drinks. These include: coffee, alcohol, dairy products, egg whites, seafood, chocolate, onions, rhinitis, milk, peanut butter, wheat, soy, wheat germ, tree nuts, spices, vinegar, tobacco, garlic, chocolate, and caffeine. All of these foods can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nasal passages. Some are more common than others. But for sufferers of PND, any food or beverage that contains or is high in acid (like orange juice) should be avoided, as well as certain foods and drinks, which may further exacerbate symptoms.
Nasal Sprays/OTC Nasal drops help relieve the symptoms of a nasal drip through their numbing effect. These medications contain steroids that temporarily block the effects of irritants on the lining of the sinus cavities. However, if you take any allergens, you should not use nasal sprays.
Nasal sprays only relieve the symptoms of a nasal drip.