Can surgery help post-nasal drip?
Post-nasal drip can be difficult to cure, and treatment varies according to the cause: Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, nasal spray, decongestants, and nasal saline irrigations. For chronic sinusitis, surgery to open the blocked sinuses may be required.
How do I get rid of post-nasal drip permanently?
Postnasal drip home remedies
- Prop up your head. Elevate your head to let gravity drain mucus from your nasal passages.
- Drink fluids, especially hot fluids. Drink a lot of fluids to thin out mucus.
- Gargle saltwater.
- Inhale steam.
- Use a humidifier.
- Nasal rinse.
- Avoid alcohol and cigarette smoke.
- GERD home remedies.
What kind of doctor treats post-nasal drip?
Let your doctor know right away if you notice blood in your postnasal drip. If medication doesn’t relieve your symptoms, you might need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (also called an otolaryngologist) for evaluation.
What happens if post-nasal drip is left untreated?
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.
How do I stop mucus from dripping down my throat?
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)
Is it normal to have post nasal drip all the time?
It’s a common symptom of colds and other respiratory infections or allergies that have respiratory effects. Virtually everyone experiences post-nasal drip from time to time. For an unfortunate few, however, post-nasal drip can become a chronic condition.
Should I see an ENT for post-nasal drip?
Postnasal drip alone is not worrisome, but it certainly can be bothersome. If your symptoms persist more than ten days or seem to be getting worse, make an appointment with an ENT. You should schedule an appointment right away if you also experience fever, wheezing, breathing problems, or mucus with a strong odor.
Can nasal drip affect lungs?
When exposed to their triggers, the airways of individuals with asthma swell and constrict, limiting the amount of air that can be exchanged in the lungs. Post nasal drip can be a trigger for an asthma attack, causing cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
Does post-nasal drip go into lungs?
It may be concluded that nasal secretions are aspirated into the lungs both in normal adults and in patients with chronic sinusitis and asthma.
What is the best remedy for post-nasal drip?
Home Remedies for Post-Nasal Drip Gargle with Salt Water. Gargling with salt water is one of the best home remedies to ease the discomforts of post-nasal drip. Steam Inhalation. Use steam treatments, with or without essential oils, to control excess mucus production that causes post-nasal drip. Nasal Irrigation. Garlic. Ginger. Cayenne Pepper. Lemon. Apple Cider Vinegar. Drink More Water.
What is the best treatment for post nasal drip?
Ginger is a natural decongestant and contains antiviral, antibacterial and expectorant properties. It helps reduce the overproduction of mucus and aids its expulsion. It also helps relieve chest congestion, hoarseness and a sore throat, common symptoms of post-nasal drip. Drink ginger tea 2 or 3 times a day.
How can I relieve my post nasal drip?
Drying out the mucus. Over-the-counter decongestant medications such as phenylephrine (Sudafed PE Congestion) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry out the mucus.
How do doctors diagnose post nasal drip?
In most cases the cause can be diagnosed when the primary care doctor does a history and physical exam.” Post-nasal drip may become worrisome if it is accompanied by symptoms such as persistent cough, severe stuffy nose, recurrent infections, blood tinged mucus, or voice changes.