Postnasal drip is an uncomfortable condition that affects daily life, so people who experience it want the discharge to stop quickly. The methods that are good for postnasal drip may vary depending on the underlying cause. It is possible to relieve postnasal drip with the right treatment method and lifestyle changes. However, if there is a more serious underlying cause and the symptoms persist for a long time, it is recommended to consult a health professional.
What causes postnasal drip?
Postnasal drip can occur for many reasons, but the most common cause is allergic postnasal drip. One of the reasons for postnasal drip is the curvature of the cartilage in the nose. This prevents the mucus from flowing properly, causing postnasal drip. The causes of postnasal drip can be listed as follows:
- Allergic rhinitis, pet dander, dust, pollen and other allergens cause inflammation in the nasal mucosa and increase mucus production. This causes postnasal drip.
- Upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds or flu, also cause inflammation, which increases mucus production. The increased mucus causes postnasal drip.
- Inflammation of the sinuses causes sinusitis. With sinusitis, nasal congestion and thick mucus production increase.
- Especially in winter months, dry air can cause the nasal mucosa to dry out and weaken the defense mechanisms, which can increase postnasal drip.
- Reflux disease is a disease characterized by stomach acid leaking back into the esophagus, which can cause irritation of the throat and postnasal drip.
Postnasal drip symptoms and treatment
Postnasal drip is a very disturbing condition that also affects daily life. It manifests itself with several different symptoms. The most common symptoms are as follows:
- Irritation in the throat and constant feeling of discomfort.
- Cough that occurs especially when going to bed at night.
- Feeling of nasal congestion and runny nose.
- A bad taste in the mouth caused by mucus flowing into the throat.
- Voice changes such as hoarseness or nasal voice.
- The eustachian tube plays a role in keeping the middle ear clean and dry. For this reason, ear infection is also among the symptoms of postnasal drip.
Postnasal drip treatment methods vary depending on the causes of postnasal drip.
What is good for postnasal drip?
Methods that are good for postnasal drip should be applied according to the cause. Antihistamines should be used for postnasal drip caused by allergies, and rest and plenty of fluids should be taken for viral infections. Nasal sprays and antibiotic treatment if necessary are used for postnasal drip caused by sinusitis. One of the important factors in the treatment of postnasal drip is lifestyle changes. A lifestyle that avoids allergens and drinking enough fluids plays an important role in the treatment of postnasal drip.
How to get rid of postnasal drip?
As with almost every health problem, postnasal drip is a problem that needs to be treated according to the underlying factors. For this reason, the medications prescribed by the doctor should be used correctly. In some cases of postnasal drip, recovery can occur without using any medication. For example, salt water is among the most basic methods used to clean the area where postnasal drip occurs.
What stops postnasal drip the fastest?
Many people experience postnasal drip What stops postnasal drip the fastest? wonders and does research on this subject. One of the methods that accelerates the healing process of postnasal drip is air humidifiers. Humid air makes the mucus consistency fluid thanks to the water content. Thus, postnasal drip is eliminated. Drinking plenty of water helps thin the mucus, thus reducing the discharge and eliminating discomfort.
In addition, you need to inhale steam to relieve postnasal drip. You can lean over a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale steam. If postnasal drip is caused by reflux, you should avoid acidic foods to relieve it quickly. It is absolutely necessary to see a specialist and get his approval before applying all these methods.