Once you experience the sore throat, bad breath, and cough that comes with post-nasal drip, you’ll be looking for a way to treat it. Thankfully, post-nasal drip can be treated at home and the doctor’s office, so you won’t have to be uncomfortable for very long.
Learn how you can treat post-nasal drip at home and in the doctor’s office from your McAllen sinus specialists.
How Do I Know If I Have a Post-Nasal Drip?
Post-nasal drip can be diagnosed by your doctor after a thorough examination, but there are some symptoms to look out for:
- Feeling the need to constantly clear your throat or swallow
- A cough that worsens at night
- Nausea from excess mucus in your stomach
- A sore, scratchy throat
- Bad breath
Post-nasal drip is quite common and it is likely to affect most people at some point in their lives. Knowing what symptoms to look out for can help you pinpoint the problem, and making an appointment with your sinus relief specialists can help you to get the proper treatment.
At-Home Treatments for Post-Nasal Drip
If you’re suffering from post-nasal drip, there may be at-home treatments you can do to resolve it. Although these are natural treatments that can be done at home, it is always best to consult your doctor before making any medical decisions.
Some at-home treatments you can try include:
1. Elevating Your Head
By elevating your head, you are allowing gravity to drain the mucus from your nasal passages. This works best if you use multiple pillows to prop your head up against your headboard or couch.
2. Drinking Fluids
Fluids, especially warm ones, can thin out your mucus and make it easier to pass through your nasal cavities. The fluids can also moisturize the lining of your nasal cavities, but stay away from caffeinated beverages, as they will dehydrate you.
3. Gargling Saltwater
Gargling with saltwater can loosen up the mucus and soothe your sore throat. To make the saltwater rinse, mix half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water. Repeat twice a day for the best results.
4. Using a Humidifier
If your body is creating extra mucus due to the air being dry, a humidifier can help bring moisture back into the air and reduce mucus production.
5. Flushing Mucus Out With a Nasal Rinse
A nasal rinse, also known as a sinus flush, can loosen thick mucus and allow for smoother passage through the nasal cavities. There are many nasal rinse options available at your drugstore, but it may be best to consult your doctor before choosing one yourself.
Treatments for Post-Nasal Drip at the Doctor’s Office
If at-home remedies are not working, it may be time to see your doctor for prescription treatments. Depending on the cause of your post-nasal drip, your doctor may prescribe a nasal steroid spray or an antibiotic if you are suffering from a bacterial infection of your sinuses.
Come See Dr. Glatz to Find Treatment For Your Post-Nasal Drip
Although post-nasal drip can be uncomfortable to deal with, there are many treatment options available to you. Your ENT can get to the root of what’s causing your post-nasal drip and prescribe the best treatment options for you.
Whether it’s an at-home or prescription treatment, it is always best to consult your doctor before moving forward with any medical decisions. Your McAllen sinus specialists will be happy to take a look at your post-nasal drip and prescribe the best treatment option for you.