Home Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Post nasal drip is that irritating stream of clear mucous that seems to run down the back of your throat. It is often worse at night because you are lying down, and if it is thick rather than runny makes you cough or maybe just swallow frequently, and feel as if you are choking. It can give you a sore throat due the soft tissues becoming irritated. You may cough lots in the morning or have to clear your throat frequently. If your throat is sore, then dissolve a small teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it.
It is normal for a certain amount of mucous to slide down the back of your throat. This is nature’s way of washing out toxins and lubricating your soft tissues. However, if it becomes excessive it is quite unpleasant and something should be done about it. There are several home remedies for postnasal drip that can be taken and most have a drying effect on the mucous. This means that plenty of liquids should also be taken to make sure your throat remains lubricated.
If the mucous running down your throat is thick yellow or green, then it means infection is present that will need treatment with antibiotics to clear it up. Meanwhile, a trying a few home remedies for postnasal drip may make life more pleasant.
For those who are desperate to clear up their postnasal drip here is a good home remedy. Mix a pinch of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Using a syringe, tip your head back and fill one side of your nose up with the mixture. You have to close off the back of your throat with your tongue to prevent choking on it.
Move your head around so that the mixture goes into your sinus cavities, then bring your head forward so that the water runs out. Blow your nose gently to remove the excess. Repeat several times for each nostril and continue to do it at least three times a day. This will help flush away any allergens or toxins that are causing excess mucous.
Other home remedies for postnasal drip are simpler. Keeping the air in your home humid by having a kettle boiling on the stove throughout the day will help. So will drinking lots of water – 8 glasses a day is not too much. This will help thin the mucous and it will run away both more quickly and be less noticeable.
Postnasal drip can be caused by allergens, so if you find out what these are and remove them, it will certainly improve your problem. Some allergens are: -
- Cat or dog fur and dander.
- Smog, smoke or ash from heating/cooking sources.
- Cigarette smoke.
- House dust.
- Pollens.
- Dust from dry soil.
If your postnasal drip is caused from an infection such as influenza, cold, sinusitis, or an upper respiratory tract infection then taking home remedies for these complaints will help it. But you may also need to see a doctor.