Sore Throat? Try These Doctor-Approved Postnasal Drip Treatments for Relief
Plus a doctor reveals when a decongestant might make things worse
You’ve felt it before—a persistent drip at the back of your throat that lingers like a guest who has overstayed their welcome. The constant tickle and sniffling is caused by mucus that drips down the back of your throat (especially common during cold and allergy seasons). Here, we break down what postnasal drip syndrome really is, what causes it and share the best home treatment options to speed recovery.
What is postnasal drip syndrome?
Postnasal drip is often misunderstood, says Bradley Block, MD, an otolaryngologist with ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY.
“Here’s the thing—mucus from your nose is supposed to drip down your throat,” Dr. Block explains. “Your nose is a humidifier, and in order to be an effective humidifier, it has to constantly secrete mucus.”
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Your nose and mouth produce up to a liter and a half of mucus every day to keep the airways moist and comfortable, he says. This mucus usually flows down your throat unnoticed. But when you start to feel it more acutely, it’s often a sign that something else is going on.
Common causes of postnasal drip
“Because it is a symptom and not a diagnosis, it doesn’t cause other symptoms,” says Dr. Block. Here are some reasons you might be experiencing postnasal drip:
- Colds and viral infections: When you have a cold, virus or bacterial infection, the nasal lining increases mucus production to fight off the infection. “It’ll run out the front and down the back of your throat,” Dr. Block explains. This excess mucus creates the sensation of postnasal drip.
- Allergies: Whether it’s seasonal or triggered by pet dander or dust, allergies inflame your nasal passages and create extra mucus. “But with allergies, you usually have other symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes. It’s not just the drip,” he adds.
- Sinus infections: After a cold, mucus can become thicker and more noticeable as your sinuses struggle to clear up. “A sinus infection could present with only postnasal drip as the symptom, but it’s typically accompanied by other signs like a stuffy nose and discolored drainage,” says Dr. Block.
- Anxiety: Surprisingly, anxiety can contribute to postnasal drip by making mucus thicker. “When people are anxious, their sympathetic nervous system kicks in, drying up their mucus. This makes it more viscous, so it doesn’t flow as smoothly and you notice it more,” Dr. Block explains.
- Aging: As we age, the nasal passages tend to become drier, which can make the mucus thicker and more noticeable, he says.
- Certain medication: “Medications such as those for high blood pressure, depression and even some antihistamines and decongestants can dry out your nasal passages,” Dr. Block notes. “This drying effect thickens the mucus, making it more palpable and irritating in the back of your throat.”
Postnasal drip syndrome home treatment options
If you’re suffering from postnasal drip, don’t worry—you can relieve the symptoms at home with a few simple treatment options.
Flush your sinuses with saline
“Saline is the cornerstone of managing postnasal drip,” says Dr. Block. It helps rehydrate the nasal lining and thins out mucus, making it easier to clear. Saline rinses or sprays are especially useful when postnasal drip is caused by allergies, sinus infections or even anxiety-related dryness.
If you’re using a saline nasal spray, hold the spray bottle and gently insert the nozzle into one nostril. Then tilt your head slightly forward and spray. You can repeat in the other nostril and blow your nose afterward for full relief.
If you’re practicing nasal irrigation, use a neti pot or squeeze bottle with a saline solution (you can buy pre-made saline packets or make your own with boiled, cooled water). Lean over the sink, tilt your head sideways and pour the solution into the nostril facing upwards. It will flow through your nasal passages and out the lower nostril.
Use decongestants with caution
“Over the counter nasal steroids like Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort or Rhinocort can help for chronic nasal congestion and runny nose, so may help with post-nasal drip as well,” Dr Block says.
An important note: “If you have no other symptoms, like a runny nose, pseudoephedrine [Sudafed] may dry you out too much and make things worse,” Dr. Block warns, noting overuse can lead to side effects like dry mouth or increased blood pressure (as well as urinary retention in men, a medical emergency).
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps thin out mucus naturally, making it less noticeable. Warm herbal teas, especially chamomile, can also soothe your throat and help loosen any stubborn mucus.
Avoid known triggers
If you notice certain foods or environmental factors make your symptoms worse, avoid them during flare-ups. “Spicy foods can trigger a runny nose in some people,” Dr. Block notes. “But it’s usually more of a vasomotor response, causing a runny nose rather than postnasal drip.” Environmental triggers such as cold weather, dry air and allergens can also exacerbate postnasal drip symptoms.
When to see a doctor for postnasal drip syndrome treatment
If these home remedies don’t bring relief after a week or two, it might be time to consult a doctor for postnasal drip syndrome treatment. “If your postnasal drip is lingering, you may have a sinus infection that requires antibiotics or another underlying condition that needs treatment,” says Dr. Block.
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