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Postnasal Drip – Causes, Symptoms and Remedies

Postnasal drip is a condition in which the mucous membranes, present around the nasal passage, are affected. On such occasions, these membranes become inflamed as mucus begins to be produced in too high an amount and begins to accumulate behind the throat and nose. This can be very irritating, causing a runny nose, itchy throat, coughing, shortness of breath, and can even cause bad breath.

Causes

A number of factors can cause postnasal drip, with the most common being the cold and flu. Other well-known causes include inhalation of nasal irritants and allergies. Conditions like bacterial and viral infections and sinusitis can also cause dripping. In some cases, hormonal changes and pregnancy can also cause this flow of mucus.

Symptoms and signs

Mucus draining down the throat is one of the symptoms of postnasal drip, but there are other signs as well, including:

  1. Nasal congestion.
  2. Bad breath.
  3. Throat pain.
  4. Vomiting or nausea.
  5. wheezing
  6. Constant swallowing or spitting.
  7. Hoarsely.
  8. Tonsil stones.
  9. heavy breathing
  10. Itchy chest and throat.

remedies

If you suffer from postnasal drip, it is essential that you take some quick steps to avoid further complications. Various remedies can be used to get effective results, and some of them are mentioned below.

Drink Fluids – When you suffer from postnasal drip, it is important that you drink as much fluid as possible. Drinking fluids can give you relief from mucus that has stuck to the pharyngeal region. As you drink fluids, the excess mucus will drain into your stomach, and this is where the mucus is broken down.

Stay Away From Dairy: You should try to avoid dairy entirely. Most dairy products are known to trigger factors that lead to a runny nose. The reason behind this is that the dairy content will lead to overproduction and thickening of mucus in the nasal passage and thus may worsen your condition.

Salt Water Gargling: Gargling with a combination of salt and water is said to provide excellent results. This remedy is perfect as a primary treatment. Take a glass of warm water and add half a tablespoon of salt. Gargle with the help of this mixture three times a day. This will get rid of excess mucus that has collected in your nasal passage.

Plant extract: Plant extracts such as thymus and cinnamon can soothe irritation caused by postnasal drip. Extracts of cinnamon and other dishes used for this purpose have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and help improve your immune system. If you suffer from a runny nose, you can consume around 125mg of cinnamon extract every morning. Thyme is also popularly used to alleviate the condition.

Steam Bath – This is a very simple yet effective remedy for postnasal drip. This will help clear out mucus that has collected in your nasal passage or throat. You can also boil some water in a saucepan or use a facial steamer and take in the steam by keeping your face over the saucepan or steamer. If you take a steam bath, it will thin out excess mucus and bring relief. If none of these remedies seem to help, you should see your doctor without waiting.

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