Postnasal drip

Overview

Glands in the nose and throat make mucus every day. Extra or thick mucus is noticeable.

It's a common cause of a lingering cough.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Throat clearing

Less common

• Cough, worse at night
• Sore throat

When to get medical care

Causes

Allergies, colds, sinus infections, reflux, dry air, and some medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Allergies
• Smoking

Possible complications

• Sinus infection
• Acid reflux (GERD)

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional asks about triggers.

Questions you may be asked

• Allergies, colds, heartburn

The exam

A nose and throat exam.

Treatment

Treating the cause helps most.

Self-care

• Rinse your nose with saline
• Drink fluids to thin mucus
• Use a humidifier
• Raise the head of your bed

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent it:

• Avoid allergy triggers
• Use saline rinses

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually improves when the cause is treated.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Is this allergies, sinus, or reflux?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Postnasal drip