Post nasal drip is a medical term that defines the dripping down the back of the throat of the mucus secreted inside the nose and the sinuses. This constant drainage is very bothering for the sufferers, because they have to permanently clear their throat, which is not the most pleasant sound of all to hear. Besides, the post nasal drip generates other bothering symptoms such as cough or halitosis.

When it comes to finding efficient post nasal drip remedies, the funny fact is that actually the fluid dripping is absolutely normal, it's generated by the body, because it needs to warm the air that we inhale to the internal body temperature before letting it get into the lungs. This huge amount of secretion, which amounts an average of two quarts of fluid per day, can't just disappear from our head, therefore it is swept by the cilia and drips back into the throat. Usually, we aren't aware of this physiological process. It's only when the mucus thickens we become aware of it, because we permanently feel that lump inside the throat which goes up and down as we swallow, but never disappears. Therefore, postnasal drip cures shouldn't attempt to stop it, but rather to bring the mucus back to its watery consistence, so we don't feel it anymore.

Post Nasal Drip Causes

With the main cause established as being the mucus thickening, which prevents the cilia from sweeping it efficiently from the nose and sinuses, let's see what are some possible causes why the mucus becomes from watery and clear, thick, sticky and colored in yellow, green or even brown sometimes.
 

1. Cold air: whenever the temperature decreases suddenly, our body's defense mechanisms get into action, therefore the mucus production is increased, in order to be able to process all that cold air that wants to get into our lungs. In case of cold & flu, this is a frequently encountered symptom, but that's usually disappearing together with the condition itself after a week or so.
2. Too little fluids ingestion: if we don't drink enough water, our secretions thicken and we may experience unpleasant effects such as this post nasal drip that can become really annoying and may result in a decrease of the quality of life.
3. Stress: this may sound strange, but there's a strong connection between our nervous system and the nose. This is how it works: when we get stressed, the parasympathetic nervous system is overloaded and records a hyperactivity. This translates in an increased production of mucus, because the nose lining and its secretions are controlled exactly by this system. So, the two of them are tightly connected.
4. Cow's milk: latest research has shown that cow's milk is totally different from the human milk and it can be detrimental to our health, because it may trigger allergic reactions or other symptoms such as thickening of the nasal mucus. Cow's milk is rich in lactose, which is an excellent nutrient for bacteria, so it's possible that it affects some individuals in a negative way.
5. Caffeine and spices: both coffee and hot spices may trigger an abnormal mucus secretion which may lead to post nasal drip.
6. Allergy: it is possible for the postnasal drainage to appear as an allergic reaction manifestation. If that's the case, patients should see their doctor and discuss the issue.

Post Nasal Drip Remedies

First of all, if you suffer from this condition, you should know that antihistamines don't work. Decongestants are efficient, but you can't use them more than two-three days, otherwise you may develop addiction.

If you don't suffer from known allergies and you don't want to see a doctor for your post nasal drip, you can try some of the following remedies:

1. Drink more water. You can also consider drinking hot herbal tea with lemon, as it can alleviate the symptoms very efficiently.
2. Clean your nose and sinuses with salty water, using a special device like the Neti pot. Alternatively, you can use a nasal aspirator for infants to blow saltwater into your nose and flush it clean. If you can't do that, you can simply gargle with salty water.
3. Eliminate milk and dairy products from your diet for one-two weeks and see if it helps.
4. Give up hot chili peppers and spices for a while.
5. Exclude coffee temporarily, to see if there's any improvement.
6. Relax. Why are we so stressed anyway? Life should be good, so try to let go of all details and feel its beauty.
7. Use an air humidifier. During winter time, when the air is very dry, using a humidifier in your home will help you improve your breathing and reduce the post nasal drip sensation.
8. Don't be afraid to let the secretions go down the throat. The stomach is prepared to welcome and destroy the mucus, thanks to some special enzymes, so the fear that you may get sick from swallowing back the mucus is only a myth.